Textile workers seek support on local production of face masks

In line with the Federal Government’s Executive Order for the patronage of locally produced goods, the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), has called on the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and state governments to purchase made-in-Nigeria fabric face masks, hand sanitizers and other protective equipment.
 
The workers said Nigeria, which has the capacity to produce locally made face masks and other protective devices, also called on the federal and state governments to look inwards in the procurement of these materials to curb the spread of COVID-19.
 
President of NUTGTWN, John Adaji, said the industry with large number of its members in the informal sector, has the capacity to produce quality clothe face masks for the entire citizenry and for export that can save the country huge foreign exchange importing the materials.
 

“We support the decision by the Lagos State Government and other South West Governors to enforce the use of face masks in public places and everybody coming out of their homes as part of the measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We call on the Federal Government and other State Governors to emulate the South West Governors and make wearing of face masks in all public places in Nigeria compulsory until the country is free from the COVID-19 pandemic. This becomes necessary as the country tackles community spread of the disease.”

“As an affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a critical stakeholder in the development of the country, we will continue to partner and support President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination to revive the cotton, textile and garment value chain,” he said.