By Lawal Dogara, Kaduna

Governor Mohammed Namadi Sambo of Kaduna State has called on the Association of Textile Technologists of Nigeria (ATTN) to join hands with the government in its effort toward reviving textile industries in the country.

Governor Sambo who made the call while speaking at the ATTN which was held recently at the Banquet hall of the Department of Catering and Hotel Management- Kaduna Polytechnic, explained that the ATTN input into government master plan to revive the sector and reposition it for growth and development was vital.

He further explained that Kaduna state had always been a major stakeholder in the textile industry in Nigeria saying "In fact the history of the industry is incomplete without a mension of the fact that the first modern textile industry in the country was established in Kaduna.

"Kaduna State once prided herself of more than ten textile industries, some of which were among the largest in the country. But today almost all these once flourishing companies have closed down," Governor Sambo stated.

He said his administration has set up a powerful committee under the chairmanship of his deputy, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa to advise on how to revive the textile industries in the state.

Governor Sambo who spoke through the state commissioners of culture and Tourism, Mr Allahmagani Yohana commended the conference stressing that the conference came at a time when the textile industries, which was at one time a major employer of labour and contributor to national economy was progressively slipping into state of total collapse.

In his speech, the vice president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Senator Walid Jibrin who is also one of the national officers of Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA), named some of the problems affecting the textile industries which include "counterfeiting of our trade marks and designs being printed in China, exported to Nigeria and sold openly and cheaply in Nigerian Market, scarcity and high price of Gas & LPFO, inconsistent Government policies on textiles and inadequacy of electricity, water and transportation among others".

He said, "the conference could not have been arranged at any period than now when the textile industries was on the large of total collapse leading to loss of jobs for more than 200,000 workers. From 175 industries in the early 80s only 20 are existing and operating in epileptic manner".

Also speaking, the Rector of Kaduna polytechnic, Dr Danjuma Ismaila Isah said the conference was organized at a time when there was a lot of talks about the unfortunate state of the textile industries in Nigeria.

According to him the theme of the conference "Repositioning the textile and clothing industry for sustainable development" was therefore most appropriate, due to the fact that if would help toward achieving the desired result.

Earlier in his welcome address the National Chairman of ATTN, professor O. K. Sunmonu said the Association was a professional body registered to among other things advance the general interests of the textile industries particularly in relation to the acquisition and application of scientific and technological knowledge.

He explained that the conference would proffer solutions to the lingering problems of Nigerian textile and clothing industries.

Professor Sunmonu called on the members of the association to give all the necessary support and cooperation with a view to achieving success.