Fakoyejo OlalekanThe richest person in Africa, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Federal Government to jail persons selling prohibited foreign textiles in Nigeria, without the option of fine.
Dangote, who owns cement and food production companies, said foreign companies have turned Nigeria into a dumping site for their materials.
“For the textile industry, I believe the government should draft legislation in the National Assembly that states that anyone selling prohibited foreign textiles must face prison time without the option of a fine.
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“So it’ll just be going to jail, even if it’s only for two years.” He told participants at the 50th annual general meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), according to Punch.
Speaking on the title, ‘Agenda Setting for Industrialising Nigeria in the Next Decade’, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group said that the textile industry’s growth is also affected by smuggling.
He explained that, “The real issue in the textile industry is not a lack of less expensive power. The textile will not last if you give them cheaper power but allow the smuggling to continue.
“What is happening is that foreign companies are dumping their products in Nigeria. That is why I dislike importing. When you import, you are importing poverty while exporting prosperity and job opportunities.
“Today, people would be sent to jail in India for selling foreign textiles anywhere. Also, if something is banned in the United States of America for example, there is no way it could be displayed for sale in a shop.
“But what is stopping the implementation of Nigeria’s government policies is the absence of the political will to make sure that we implement those policies no matter who is going to be upset by us.
“If we have a prosperous environment the insecurity will drop.” The billionaire, who is also set to commence oil and gas operation this year, said.
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