Senator Adams Oshiomhole is making waves, urging President Bola Tinubu to take a giant leap for Nigerian industry! He’s calling for a complete switch to locally produced uniforms for our armed forces and other security agencies. This isn’t just about clothes; it’s a powerful push to revive Nigeria’s textile sector, create millions of jobs, and truly put the nation first. Oshiomhole believes that embracing “Made in Nigeria” for our uniform needs is a game-changer for economic growth and national pride.
The Big Idea: Wear What We Make, Make What We Wear!
Senator Adams Oshiomhole recently dropped a bombshell at the 37th Annual National Education Conference of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) in Kaduna. His message was clear and loud: President Tinubu needs to step up and ensure that our brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen, along with all paramilitary forces, ditch the imported threads and rock uniforms stitched right here in Nigeria. He pointed out that this move could be the golden ticket to unlocking massive employment opportunities, potentially creating up to 20 million jobs!
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Oshiomhole didn’t just stop at a suggestion; he laid bare the harsh reality of Nigeria’s crippled textile industry. He lamented how past ‘reckless government policies’ and overly relaxed trade rules allowed foreign fabrics to flood the market, suffocating local businesses. He painted a grim picture, stating, “Those factories didn’t die of old age; they were murdered by bad policies.” He even drew a stark comparison to the days when Kaduna’s textile hubs buzzed with activity, employing thousands and operating around the clock. It’s a far cry from the current situation where many factories lie dormant.
| Key Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Importation of Foreign Fabrics | Stifled local production and job growth. |
| Unfettered Trade Liberalization | Weakened domestic industries. |
| Past Government Policies | Directly contributed to factory closures. |
A Blast from the Past, A Vision for the Future
He took a moment to praise the visionaries of the past, like the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who had the foresight to establish textile industries. These pioneers understood the fundamental principle: it makes no economic sense to export raw cotton and then import finished garments. Their initiatives weren’t just about business; they were about building dignity, fostering self-reliance, and creating thriving communities.
Beyond Clothes: Tackling Insecurity and Building Unity
Oshiomhole made a powerful connection between the collapse of the industrial sector and the rising tide of insecurity and social unrest plaguing the nation. He argued that when people have meaningful jobs and a sense of purpose, societal divisions like religious differences tend to fade into the background. Conversely, widespread unemployment and idleness breed frustration and anger, creating fertile ground for instability. “When people had jobs, nobody cared about religion. Today, with factories shut and millions idle, we have produced anger, not cotton,” he declared.
Praise for Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
While advocating for local production, Oshiomhole also gave a nod to President Tinubu’s recent foreign exchange reforms. He acknowledged that these policies are beginning to curb the activities of “emergency billionaires” who were once profiting handsomely from currency manipulation and arbitrage. He noted the shift from effortless wealth creation through mere phone calls to a more structured economic environment.
A Labour Man for Life
The conference wasn’t just a platform for policy discussion; it was also a personal tribute. The NUTGTWN headquarters in Kaduna was renamed the Adams Oshiomhole Textile Labour House, a fitting honor for the former Edo State governor who once served as the union’s General Secretary about 40 years ago. This renaming underscores his deep and enduring connection to the labour movement. Oshiomhole reaffirmed his commitment, declaring his lifelong dedication to fighting for workers’ rights and for Nigeria to return to a path of production rather than perpetual importation. He reminded everyone that the core purpose of government is the welfare of its citizens, not just the bottom line of businesses. “I will keep fighting until Nigeria returns to the path of production, not importation,” he vowed.
This call to action is more than just a policy suggestion; it’s a rallying cry for a more self-sufficient, job-rich, and secure Nigeria. The ball is now in President Tinubu’s court to turn this vision into a reality.