The African Development Bank (AFDB) is looking at partnering Sokoto state and the North-Western region of Africa. This was stated by AFDB president Akinwunmi Adeshina at a meeting with Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto state. During the 14 years of calamity that rocked Nigerian textile industry, major garment factories ran out of business and almost 3 million jobs were lost. Even with the 100 billion Naira federal government intervention fund, the North’s economy which included the profit from the textile sector still feels the effects.

Before the collapse of the industry, cotton production was the main focus of textile manufacturers, as cotton is the life of the textile industry. In the past, the federal government supported the industry through a ban on imported textile products. But the boom in the oil sector caused a neglect for other important resources within Nigeria’s boundaries. After that the government relaxed on the law and unbanned importation which favoured the big players that had easy access to funds, and started importing from China, Indonesia and other Asian countries.

Often, Nigerian government effects policies to actually solve problems afflicting a certain sector. However, these policies look good on paper but how far they go cannot be ascertained just like the policies on education, agriculture, child right law and others.