Nigeria's House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the federal government to consider banning second-hand clothing imports as a measure to revive the local textile industry and ease youth unemployment. The resolution was adopted at Tuesday's plenary session following consideration of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Billy Osawaru, the lawmaker representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State.

Key Points

  • Nigeria's House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on the federal government to consider banning imports of second-hand clothing (commonly known as "okrika") while urgently reviving the textile industry in Kaduna and other locations.
  • Lawmaker Osawaru cited data stating that Nigeria had over 160 textile factories between the 1970s and 1990s, with Kaduna once a major textile hub; over 1,700 security incidents recorded in 2024 resulted in more than 10,000 deaths and 7,500 kidnappings.
  • The motion also proposed establishing modern warehousing and agro-processing clusters in the 6 geopolitical zones and setting up a manufacturing revival fund, among other supporting recommendations. The motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote under the presiding of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Speaking while presenting the motion, Osawaru said Nigeria had more than 160 textile factories from the 1970s to the 1990s, with Kaduna serving as a key textile hub. He argued that the industry's decline led to job losses, especially for young people, while unemployment and limited economic prospects have worsened insecurity across the country. He said that by creating sustainable economic opportunities, banditry, kidnapping, cultism, killings and other forms of youth restiveness could be reduced.

He cited examples of countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Ethiopia, which through targeted transformation of key sectors created 2 million to 5 million jobs each within 5 years, reducing youth restiveness by 40% to 60%. Citing a report by SBM Intelligence, he said that as of 2024, more than 1,700 recorded security incidents had caused over 10,000 deaths and 7,500 kidnappings.

Osawaru noted that agriculture, manufacturing, textiles and solid minerals are sectors with significant capacity to absorb Nigeria's young people, but their potential remains largely untapped. He also expressed concern over post-harvest losses, saying they exceed 40% due to inadequate warehousing and processing facilities, while insecurity further limits farmers' access to farmland.

To address this, he urged the federal government to establish modern warehousing facilities and agro-processing clusters in the 6 geopolitical zones within 12 to 24 months. He also proposed setting up a manufacturing revival fund in collaboration with the Bank of Industry and the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide low-interest financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. He said the fund should prioritize local procurement and incorporate youth employment targets.

After discussion, the motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote under the presiding of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The House urged the federal government to "urgently revive" the textile industry in Kaduna and other states in order to "create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed and address youth restiveness." Lawmakers also asked the government to consider "banning the importation of old clothes" and to mandate the procurement of locally manufactured clothing, including uniforms for schools, security agencies and the National Youth Service Corps.

If adopted by the government, the motion would directly affect Nigeria's second-hand clothing (okrika) import trade chain and have a potential impact on the flow of second-hand clothing in West Africa and globally, while possibly changing the supply structure of the local textile and apparel market.

Source: House of Representatives Urges FG To Ban Second-hand Clothes Imports · Originally published on 2026-09-29