The Federal Government has been advised to place a ban on the importation of adire/kampala and other local fabrics so as to protect the local market and earn foreign exchange for the country.
The call was made by the House of Representatives at their plenary on Tuesday following the adoption of the motion moved by Afolabi Afuape, who is representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Ogun State, titled, “Call to revive and promote the traditional fabric industry of Adire/Kampala to boost the nation’s cultural heritage.”
The lawmaker seized the moment to draw the attention of his colleagues to the historical significance of Adire/Kampala (tie-and-dye) fabrics in Nigeria and the need to protect and promote local production to uphold the nation’s cultural heritage and legacy.
“The House notes that Nigeria’s Adire/Kampala fabric industry is crucial for economic growth, cultural preservation, and fostering entrepreneurship among citizens, particularly the youth,” he said.
“The House observes that the influx of foreign imitations of adire/kampala into Nigeria’s market has negatively impacted the local industry, leading to a decline in the livelihood of local producers and job loss”
Speaking further, the Rep warned that inability to protect consumers from imitations or duplicates of our local Adire/Kampala products from foreign markets could lead to extreme consequences for the Indigenous industry.
He also urged the House to order the Committee on Commerce to collaborate with the National Directorate of Employment to set-up formal training and orientation programmes on skills, quality control, marketing, and business management for all local fabric producers and to monitor the relevant agencies charged with assessing the progress of the Indigenous Cottage industry.
Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas put the motion into voice votes and it was supported unanimously.
The House also ordered the Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency in launching a nationwide campaign to promote the cultural significance of Adire/Kampala and other locally produced fabrics and to patronise locally produced fabrics.
Earlier, it was reported that The House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria called on the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments to make it compulsory for companies to inscribe “Made in Nigeria” on all goods manufactured in Nigeria.
