LAGOS — The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for deeper collaboration across the textile and leather value chains to drive industrial revival and competitiveness.
Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadri, made the call at the Textile, Wearing Apparel, Carpet, Leather and Footwear Sectoral Group Annual General Meeting on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said the industries are labour-intensive with significant potential for job creation, exports, and cultural value but have been hampered by high costs, poor infrastructure, and smuggling.
Ajayi-Kadri said collaboration among manufacturers, government, financial institutions, and research bodies would strengthen innovation, policy alignment, and local production.
He urged stronger linkages between raw material suppliers and manufacturers, deeper backward integration, and joint ventures to boost technology, skills, and capital.
He appealed to government to enforce supportive policies, ensure fair competition, and strengthen industrial clusters.
“Every metre of local fabric and every pair of Nigerian-made shoes strengthens our economy and dignity,” he said.
Textile entrepreneur Mrs Nike Ogunlesi, Chief Executive of Ruff ’n’ Tumble, called for policy consistency, quality standards, and certification to build trust in Nigerian products.
She said Nigeria’s fashion industry is expanding, with local designers making waves globally, but they require policy support to scale up production.
Chairman of MAN’s Textile and Leather Group, Mr Ilyas Saleh, said the sectors once held a prominent industrial position but lost ground due to policy inconsistency, high energy costs, and poor infrastructure.
He said collaboration among stakeholders, investors, and researchers would strengthen value chains, improve technology use, and expand market access across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
“To reclaim leadership in textile and leather production, collaboration is not optional. We must innovate, unite, and work with government and partners,” Saleh said.
