Speaking at a policy dialogue on sustainable industrialisation and employment in Nigeria organised in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Abuja yesterday, the President of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria , John Adaji, also blamed policy somersaults and smuggling as the main challenges militating against the revival of the sector.
Though he admitted that while some of the policies had brought succour to the industry in the past and that rather than strengthen and sustain some of the policy measures, the industry has witnessed an uncritical reversal of policies by successive governments. He said the organised labour movement is worried about the precarious situation of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria particularly as it affects the textile industry and its implication for members’ welfare, jobs and employment in general.
Adaji maintained that the government needs to take urgent steps to review its policies and consider tax waivers for textile-based industries to encourage investment and encourage fair competition.
If government creates the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, they won't need to spoonfeed them.