President Muhammadu Buhari has given directive to all government institutions to patronise locally-produced garments for uniforms, henceforth.
This became necessary following Nigeria signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), in Niamey, Niger Republic capital.
According to him, this would go a long way to create jobs in the textile industry.
President Buhari gave the direcitve during a meeting with the National Executive Council of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The president said “As a starting point. I recently directed all Government uniformed institutions to patronise the use of locally produced garments.
“Already, the Bureau of Public Procurement has been notified to ensure strict compliance.
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“One can just imagine the jobs we will create in the sector when the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Customs, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps, the NYSC and many more, fully patronise our local industries,” he said.
The President also urged state governments to key into the policy for their schools, hospitals and other institutions.
He continued, “The coming of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement presents an opportunity for Nigeria if the right safeguards are put in place.
“As a government, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to fully optimise the benefits of this agreement and very soon, we will fully engage in negotiations to ensure these safeguards are reflected.
“Our priority remains to create jobs in Africa for Africans using a large proportion of African raw,” he said.
