(Ecofin Agency) - The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated the sum of N51bn ($162 million) in the 2017 budget to develop the garment and textile sector as this will help in job creation, support diversification efforts and increase the patronage of made-in-Nigeria apparels.

Aisha Abubakar (photo), minister of State of Industry, Trade and Investment who made the announcement, highlighted that “out of the six special economic zones which will be created this year, three will be for textiles.” Abubakar added that the government is also looking to support the industry through massive investment in infrastructure as this would help reduce the price of cotton.

Data from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has shown that between 1980 and 2016, the sector had been faced with some economic challenges which had made about 145 companies shut down.

Anita Fatunji