As part of creating a platform for expanding of Garment and textile industry in Nigeria, The Dutch textile and design company, Vlisco Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government of Nigeria recently.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Vlisco Group and the Nigerian government is to collaborate and support Vlisco Group four brands (Woodin, Vlisco, Uniwax and GTP). The Nigerian government in December 2014 approved a major revitalisation and reform of its Cotton, Textiles and Garment (CTG) sector.
According to the CEO of Vlisco group, Hans Ouwendijk, “We commend the Nigerian Government for its focus on revitalising this critical sector. The new policy enables the Vlisco Group to invest in Nigeria and to contribute to the building of a vibrant CTG sector. Nigeria is Africa’s largest consumer market and the opportunity to fully deploy our brands and business models in Nigeria provides a major boost to our growth ambition.”
”The MoU is expected to yield benefits for the Nigerian economy in terms of economic diversification and job creation in line with the Government’s Industrial Revolution strategy. Vlisco Group’s activities are expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs in Nigeria in the medium term. This will catalyse growth and jobs in Nigeria across the entire value-chain from cotton to fashion”.
The Director of Actis Fash Sawyerr, also said that, ”We applaud the Nigerian government’s focus on revitalising its CTG sector and diversifying its economy. We believe this significant agreement with Vlisco Group will be highly beneficial to Nigeria, job creation and to the Vlisco Group. We will provide our support to both parties to develop the intended benefits and economic impact across the textile value chain in Nigeria.”
In his opening speech, The Honourable Minster of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, commenting on the MoU, ”The Government of Nigeria is delighted to welcome this investment and partnership from the Vlisco Group into Nigeria. We are determined to rebuild this historically important sector with its job creation impact across the entire value chain from cotton fields to fashion. We are looking forward to implementing this strategic partnership with the Vlisco Group”.
Hans Ouwendijk also revealed that, ”The Group will participate across the sector value chain from sourcing of cotton, textile printing, wholesale, retail and e-commerce distribution, garment manufacturing and supporting and promoting Nigerian fashion designers”.
