The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has lamented Nigeria’s $3 billion annual loss due to the importation of foreign wax prints, popularly known as Ankara fabrics.

In a statement released by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa urged Nigerians to embrace the country’s textile ecosystem, stressing that fabrics such as adire, kente, bogolan, and Ankara embody Africa’s pride and history.

“Despite this heritage, it is deeply ironic that many of the fabrics we cherish, such as Ankara, are predominantly produced outside Africa.

“Nearly 90 percent of the Ankara consumed on our continent is imported, leading to an annual loss of approximately $3 billion to foreign manufacturers. We must change this.

“We must reclaim our fashion narrative by strengthening local production capacities and ensuring that the benefits of this vibrant industry remain within our borders.

“Fashion is far more than a form of expression. It is an economic powerhouse. The global fashion industry is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion. In Nigeria alone, the fashion industry contributes approximately $6.1 billion to GDP, while South Africa’s textile sector employs over 140,000 people, demonstrating the sector’s capacity for job creation.

“Investments in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth. By expanding local production, we will not only add value within our borders but also position Africa as a global hub for fashion,” she stated.

The minister noted that the ministry is working to establish manufacturing hubs and craftsmanship training programs under the Design Nexus and Destination 2030 initiative across Africa.

She added that the initiative aims to position Nigeria’s arts, culture, and creative economy at the forefront.