The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep concern over the collapse of the once-thriving textile industries in Kano and Kaduna, which has led to the loss of over 500,000 jobs.
Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on the North West Development Commission (NWDC) at the National Assembly complex, Abbas described the decline as a major economic setback for Northern Nigeria.
He lamented that in the 1980s, the textile sector was a major employer, but due to policy failures, insecurity, and systemic neglect, the industry now sustains fewer than 20,000 workers.
“The textile industry was once the backbone of our economy, providing thousands of jobs and improving livelihoods. Unfortunately, years of policy neglect, insecurity, and environmental challenges have crippled this vital sector,” Abbas stated.
The Speaker stressed the need for urgent intervention, noting that the NWDC is well-positioned to drive economic recovery in the region. He urged the commission to conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify key priorities for development.
“This assessment should serve as the foundation for a 10-year strategic plan—a blueprint that outlines clear, measurable goals and actionable strategies. Such a plan will not only guide development efforts but also attract investment, mobilize resources, and ensure transparency and accountability,” he added.
Abbas also called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging the NWDC to collaborate with state governments, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to implement sustainable and impactful interventions.
He further advocated for innovative financing solutions, including public-private partnerships and development bonds, to complement government funding.
“This is the time for bold reforms and decisive action to revive the region’s economy,” he concluded.