The Vice President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Senator Walid Jibrin has called on Federal Government to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on to textiles as means  of reviving the ailing industry.

Senator Walid made the call last week at a workshop organised by Arewa Media Forum. He said, to revive the textile industry, government should among other things, “consider VAT exemption on textiles, ensure ban enforcement” as well as ensure effective implementation of N70 billion naira revival fund.

He observed that the textile industry made important contribution to Nigerian economy and regretted that “the industry is facing a serious down-turn due to ineffective of the import prohibition enforcement and rise in cost of production”.

Speaking on the topic “the revival of the textile industry in Nigeria,” Senator Jibrin stated that the influx of smuggled goods continue to occupy 80% of the market share.

According to him, inconsistency of government policies, lack of protection of bans and waivers as well as smuggling have continued to pose greater challenges to the textile industry.

Some participants at the one day workshop stressed the need for government to ensure revival of the textile industry inview of its strategic importance.

Speaking to Nigerian Newsday, Alhaji Yahaha    Bello, a member of the Arewa Media Group said the workshop became imperative considering the need to address the looming cases of unemployment.

“You will recall that the textile industry is a great employer of labour. Reviving it would help in curbing the menace of unemployment,” he said.