Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar this week revealed that 145 textile companies had gone moribund between 1980 and this present time.
In a meeting she had with members of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Implementation Committee, the Minister said the closure of these industries was due to what she called “harsh economic climate.”
She said the purpose of the meeting was to review the progress so far made with the implementation of the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Policy.
The Minister said the Federal Government would take the implementation of the policy seriously as it would aid in revamping the textile industry.
According to the Minister, “Since our coming on board, I have taken time to understand the policies and programmes of the ministry. We have identified the CTG sector as an important sector for revival in view of the very high potential of job creation along its value chain.
“The CTG sector, which used to be the highest employer of labour next to the government, with over 175 mills at its peak in the 1980s, is now a shadow of itself with barely 30 companies operating presently.
“This is no time for lamentation, we are determined to succeed. The country is looking at us. This meeting is called to review the activities this far and to chart the way forward. I am sure the successful implementation of the CTG policy will indeed bring back the glory of this sector through its multiplier effects.”