Aliko Dangote, the chairman and CEO of the Dangote Group, the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa, has requested that federal government should arrest all importers of foreign textile materials without option of a fine.
As reported by The PUNCH, the business magnate made this demand during the 50th annual general meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
In his words, “For the textile industry, I believe the government should draft legislation in the National Assembly that states that anyone selling prohibited foreign textiles must face prison time without the option of a fine. So it’ll just be going to jail, even if it’s only for two years”.
“The real issue in the textile industry is not a lack of less expensive power. The textile will not last if you give them cheaper power but allow the smuggling to continue”.
“What is happening is that foreign companies are dumping their products in Nigeria. That is why I dislike importing. When you import, you are importing poverty while exporting prosperity and job opportunities”.
“Today people would be sent to jail in India for selling foreign textiles anywhere. Also, if something is banned in the United States of America for example, there is no way it could be displayed for sale in a shop”.
“But what is stopping the implementation of Nigeria’s government policies is the absence of the political will to make sure that we implement those policies no matter who is going to be upset by us”.
Dangote added that if Nigeria achieve a prosperous environment, the issue of insecurity will drop.
