PROHIBITION ITEMS: ANLCA Chieftain Advocates Review On Imported Textile Material

By Roland Ekama

A chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA),Mr. Frank Aliakor has called on the federal government to revisit the policy banning importation of textile and clothing materials ,saying the sub sector is not ripe enough to manufacture the items in large quantity that can meet the demands of the people.

The government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week Tuesday, added textile to the list of 41 items ineligible for officially sourced forex.

But speaking exclusively to Daily focus News Online on Monday, the customs broker maintained that government overtime has clamoured for local production of Nigerian commodities yet unrealistic.

According to him, most of the prohibited items are still imported into Nigerian markets ,noting that there must be room for dialogue with the stakeholders before taking meaningful decision.

The ANLCA chief ,lamented that the textile manufacturing sector has suffered setbacks due to lack of electricity and sourcing for material which cannot be address or resolve over a year.

He maintained that the process of restrict textile materials would have undergo a process and not an overnight decision.

He described the restriction on textile materials in sourcing forex as anti people,calling on the federal government to look inward to engage stakeholders in proffering solutions to the issue on ground.

Aliakor stated that a large number of importers will be out of business based on the new directive,which he added would be throw millions into the labour market.

He added that traders of textile materials in the local market will be affected immensely, adding that they will be out of business under the new policy.

He noted that the levy and duty imposed on textile material had discouraged shippers from importation of textile materials,hence the need to review the policy is key.

He noted that the flagship port in Nigeria must be encouraged to attain a user port friendly for the consumer patronage, adding that “We want the Apapa and Tin Can Island to be user friendly ports because importers are paying taxes exorbitantly to government.

“The multiple taxation is affecting importers and this has its effect on the final consumers.

“The ports must user friendly to importers and agents because most of us are not finding it easy to access the ports and government need to intervene immediately”, he added.

Reports suggest that 85% of the local textile manufacturing companies have are out of business due to lack social amenities and the government has failed to provide necessary facilities to revamp the industry.