NAN-ELS-6
Manufacturing
By Vezi Isike
Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Austin Ekezie, Chief Executive Officer, “VillageBoi Apparel’’, on Thursday urged the authorities to revive the domestic manufacturing industries to boost the local production of fabrics.
Ekezie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that by so doing it would normalise the excessive rise of the cost of local clothing.
According to him, clothing is a vital part of human existence and can be used as a lucrative business model to generate revenue for government.
“We have deviated from oil no doubt, so what exactly are we doing with the other sectors that can revive the economy?
“Foreign governments over time have taken advantage of the fashion industry as a huge tax source to fend for other sectors.
“This is because purchase of wears is almost inevitable not minding class, though varying in quality,’’ he said.
The entrepreneur told NAN that those engaged in the business had had to adopt various innovative measures to enable them to stay afloat.
“The fashion industry is almost wasting, having professional tailors send their wears out for branding which makes it more expensive.
“It cost a lot to do all of that but we have to send out because we don’t have such machines here,’’ he said.
Ekezie urged government officials to live by example by patronising made in Nigeria goods to encourage local businesses.
“Our domestic clothing can only be boosted if our leaders can divert the monies they use to shop abroad into our own brands.
“With those resources, we will have quality finishing and utilise only the finest natural stock and customised fabrics that suit the taste of our clients. (NAN)
VOI/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)