‘To conserve FX’ — reps ask FG to ban importation of Adire, Kampala

The house of representatives has asked the federal government to ban the importation of Adire and Kampala — dyed cloths with resist patterns popular in Nigeria’s south-west region.

The resolution was reached on Tuesday after Afolabi Afuape, the lawmaker representing Abeokuta south, moved the motion at plenary in Abuja.

The green chamber also asked the government to criminalise the importation of the cloths and extend the ban to other locally produced fabric imitations shipped into the country.

The lawmakers said the move became necessary to protect the general local cottage industry and conserve the scarce foreign exchange (FX).

Speaking during plenary, Afuape said the influx of foreign imitations of Adire and Kampala has negatively impacted the local industry, leading to a decline in the livelihood of local producers and job losses.

Adopting the motion, the house mandated its committee on commerce to collaborate with the national directorate of employment to establish formal training and orientation programmes for all local fabrics producers on skills, quality control, marketing, and business management.

The house also called for proper monitoring of relevant agencies charged with evaluating the periodic progress of the Nigerian cottage industry.

In addition, the lawmakers mandated the committee on information, national orientation, ethics and values in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a nationwide campaign to promote the cultural significance of Adire/Kampala.

Last November, the house of representatives committee on finance, loans, and debt management, recommended that all locally produced goods be banned from importation.

This, the lawmakers said, would take off pressure from the naira.