The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind a newly commissioned garment factory in Abuja, describing it as a strategic step towards reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported clothing and boosting industrialisation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the organisers during the unveiling of the Modish Garment Factory, an investment by Nigerian fashion house, Mo’Afrique.
According to the statement, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, who commissioned the facility, commended the Founder and Creative Director of Mo’Afrique, Omobolanle Olawole, for her commitment to investing in Nigeria’s textile and garment industry.
Oduwole said the Federal Government expects the new factory to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand beyond Nigeria’s borders.
She said, “We expect you to have your garments all across Africa and the rest of the world using the African Continental Free Trade Area. It’s a pride for the Ministry; it’s a pride for the administration. This is what generates jobs, employment, and the GDP.
“I have already charged her to export her garments to the rest of Africa and the world using AfCFTA. This is what this administration stands for: supporting entrepreneurs for productivity, and we support them to solve business climate challenges, and that is why I am here to support them today. Today is really a day of great work, and Omobolanle, I am proud of you.”
The minister emphasised that the project reflects the administration’s broader agenda of promoting industrial growth through private sector investment, noting that entrepreneurship remains central to economic expansion.
“And just to encourage other entrepreneurs, it is not easy, and nobody is saying it is easy, but a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. So, a business that started 10 years ago in her bedroom is today starting a factory and industrialisation as well,” she added.
Oduwole further assured investors of continued government support, stressing that Nigerian entrepreneurs have shown resilience despite a challenging operating environment. “I am extremely proud of Nigerian entrepreneurs; they are determined, dogged to face the challenges, and we support them to solve the business climate challenges,” she said.
In her remarks, Olawole described the launch of the Modish brand, the commissioning of the factory, and the celebration of Mo’Afrique’s 10th anniversary as a defining moment for the company and the broader industry.
According to her, the milestone reflects years of perseverance in a sector long constrained by structural challenges.
“This is a historic occasion. Today is not just about unveiling a brand or opening a facility; it is about vision, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for the Nigerian garment and clothing industry,” she said.
She recalled the company’s humble beginnings, noting that the journey started a decade ago with a small operation driven by passion and creativity. “Ten years ago, Mo’Afrique was a dream fuelled by passion and creativity. The road was not always easy, but we remained steadfast, guided by excellence and sustained by the trust of our clients and partners,” she added.
Olawole, however, painted a broader picture of the challenges facing Nigeria’s garment industry, highlighting the dominance of imports and structural inefficiencies.
“The Nigerian garment industry has long faced challenges. Between 2010 and 2025, it struggled with high-volume, low-cost imports competing against a high-potential but underdeveloped local sector.
“Nigeria spends approximately $6bn annually on imported clothing, with over 90 per cent of popular fabrics like Ankara imported. Smuggling, porous borders, and limited infrastructure have further hampered domestic production.
“Despite government interventions, such as the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and the Cotton, Garment and Textile policy, consistent results remain elusive,” she said.
She described the situation as paradoxical, noting that while traditional fabrics remain central to Nigeria’s cultural identity, much of the supply is sourced externally.
“The paradox is clear: while Ankara is central to our identity, most of it is imported. Yet, amidst these challenges, locally made garments of high quality are emerging, proving that, with modern technology and vision, we can build a competitive industry,” she added.
Positioning the new brand as part of the solution, Olawole said Modish is designed to address gaps across the value chain through long-term investment and innovation.
“It is against this backdrop that Modish has emerged, not just as a brand, but as a solution. With our five to 10-year plan, we aim to work across the textile and clothing value chain to ensure that today’s challenges become stepping stones toward a truly local and integrated clothing industry,” she said.
She disclosed that the factory is equipped with modern technology and designed to meet global production standards, while also serving as a hub for skills development.
“Our factory is not only a production hub but also a model of innovation and sustainability, positioning us as leaders in garments and clothing in Nigeria and beyond.
“To power this vision, we have invested in infrastructure. Our new garment factory, built to global standards, is a hub of innovation equipped with advanced technology, modern machinery, and run by skilled professionals.
“It is designed to produce at scale without compromising quality, delivering efficiency while nurturing creativity. This facility will empower local talent with training and jobs, proving that Nigerian fashion can compete globally, not only in creativity but in manufacturing excellence,” she stated.
The development comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, and unlock value across its non-oil sectors, with the garment industry seen as a key driver of job creation and export growth.
