Imitation fabrics – threat for Kaduna textile industry

21 Dec '05

1 min read

Textile industry in Kaduna is facing a threat from imitation fabrics smuggled into the country; the evil has also put a big question mark on the future of textile industry.

Kaduna textile industry includes Textile/Garment, Leather Goods and Carpet.

Speaking to media, Chairman of the Association, Senator Walid Jibrin, expressed grief that textile industry might tumble down if the menace was not deterred.

Jibrin also feared that this malpractice would lure Nigerian buyers, whose purchasing power is low, to buy imitation fabrics instead of that produced in country.

Trademarks and copying of printing design in the Nigerian market are other widespread forms of imitation, explained Jibrin.

Walid worried about drain of investment in terms of machinery and equipment; estimated investment around N850 billion would be shifted to other countries.

This smuggling of fabrics might affect 80 percent employment, he said.

Smuggling might give birth to some illegitimate issues like high tariff on the textile industry, high cost of production, high electricity tariff, interest rates, which are hostile and might paralyze local enterprises.

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