Abass rues loss of 500,000 jobs in Kano, Kaduna due to textile industry collapse

House of Representatives Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abass has lamented the loss of over 500,000 jobs due to the collapse of textile industries in Kano and Kaduna states over the years.

Speaking at the inauguration of the House Committee on North West Development Commission (NWDC) on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex, he said the once-flourishing textile industry in the 1980s, now engages fewer than 20,000 due to policy inertia and rising insecurity.

The Speaker remarked that the situation was made worse by environmental degradation, and systemic neglect of the North over the years.

He maintained that the setbacks have stifled economic growth and diminished livelihoods, adding that the North-West Development Commission is uniquely positioned to address the challenges.

The Speaker charged the NWDC to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across the zone, aimed at identifying priority areas for intervention.

“This exercise should inform the development of a robust 10-year strategic plan, a blueprint that will outline measurable goals and actionable strategies. Such a plan will not only serve as a roadmap but also as a vital tool for attracting partners, mobilising resources, and ensuring accountability,” he said.

Speaker Abbas urged the NWDC to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging state governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and the private sector. He noted that collaboration is key to ensuring that interventions are sustainable and impactful.

“Furthermore, innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships and development bonds, must be explored to supplement government funding. This is a time for bold ideas and decisive action,” the Speaker added.

The Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership that has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.

He said the establishment of a Ministry of Regional Development and the timely assent to the various regional development bills reflect the President’s steadfast commitment to devolution and decentralisation.

“Through transformative actions such as granting local government autonomy, decongesting the exclusive legislative list, and signing into law the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the President has demonstrated an unyielding dedication to empowering regions and fostering grassroots development. His leadership exemplifies a bold vision for a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” Speaker Abbas added.

He stressed that the Tinubu-led administration has also taken decisive steps to address the structural challenges facing our nation.

Earlier in a remark, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, said the inauguration, “marks a significant moment as we embark on the noble task of transforming the North West geopolitical.

“This first interaction between the House leadership and the Members of the Committee provides us an opportunity to strengthen our collaborative efforts, ensuring excellence in the commission’s operations and encouraging maximum cooperation necessary for achieving impactful results,” he said.

He listed the mandates of the committee to include addressing all matters related to the NWDC; coordinating and monitoring the activities of development partners to ensure effective transformation of the zone; engaging with agencies, departments, multilateral organizations, and NGOs to facilitate rehabilitation, reconstruction, recovery, resettlement, and development in the North West.

Others are collaborating with private sector initiatives to promote regional development; harmonizing government initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and sustainable growth; reviewing and approving annual budget estimates, among others.