The Federal Government has come under fire for allegedly contracting the production of military and paramilitary uniforms to Turkish Company. This is allegedly a partnership involving the Defence Industry Complex (DICON) in Kaduna state, Nigeria.
According to the stakeholders, this contractual agreement with the Turkish firm was a sabotage to the local textile industry.
Bashir Magashi, Minister of Defence who signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja with Turkish Firm, Sur Corporatewear last Thursday, disclosed there was a need for military and paramilitary factory to be established in Nigeria.
According to Daily Post, Magashi also said the Federal Government will be investing a sum of $13 million about N4.68billion to finance the factory.
Bashir Magashi stated Sur Corporatewear is expected to produce local brand of textiles and accessories.
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However Adenike Ogunlesi, Creative Director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a Nigerian clothing line has called out the FG, saying the government was gradually killing the textile industry with their total lack of trust, which is a hindering to the growth of the industry.
“When President Muhammadu Buhari directed that all uniforms shouldn’t be imported any longer, we were all excited. We felt it was high time for the local manufacturers to build capacity.