A debate has stirred up between the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Textile Manufacturing Association (NTMA) on the export of cotton from the country.

MTMA’s acting director general Hamman Kwajaffa said at a public hearing organized by a parliamentary committee on industry that it wants a ban on the export of cotton from the country as it is needed for local manufacturing.

Lamenting Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported fabrics, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble founder Adenike Ogunlesi said it is unfortunate that the country is yet to reap the benefits from the US African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) due to the reverses suffered by the textile and garment sector over the years.

Secretary general of the National Union of Textile and Garment Workers of Nigeria Issa Aremu said urged the government to grant full autonomy to the proposed council. (DS)

The discussion was to set up a cotton, textile and garment (CTG) development council.

Kwajaffa welcomed the move to establish the CTG development council, saying it would create a conducive environment for the economy.