NAOSS Decry Importation of China-Made Adire Fabrics, Urge FG to Impose Sanctions

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has urgently called on the Federal Government to address the importation of counterfeit Adire fabrics from China. 

NAOSS National President, Kehinde Thomas, speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta, expressed deep concerns over the actions of economic saboteurs undermining the local industry by flooding the market with inferior Chinese Adire. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports recalls that thr traditional Adire (tie-dye fabric), is produced locally in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and other parts of the country where it provides means of livelihood and support to thousands of people for jobs. 

The prominent Adire Market, Itoku, acclaimed as the traditional hub of this craft, also serves as a significant tourist attraction, drawing both local and international visitors eager to purchase this unique and ancient fabric.

The students' group therefore urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to prevent a situation similar to the annual $600 million expenditure on palm oil imports. 

NAOSS President, stated that, "This is a deliberate attempt to undermine our local economy and threaten thousands of jobs. If the federal government does not intervene, local businesses and entrepreneurship will suffer, pushing our already fragile economy to the brink." 

Speaking for the body representing the National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, Thomas strongly condemns this economic sabotage, he emphasized that the country is still recovering from the economic impact of multinational companies leaving Nigeria. 

Thomas urged the Federal Government to act fast and arrest the ugly situation so as not to create another disheartening scenario where a whopping $600m is being spent annually to import palm oil into the country. 

According to him, “We view this as a deliberate attempt not only to squeeze life out of our local economy, but, a step to throw thousands of people out of jobs. 

Apart from that, if this evil act is not halted by the Federal Government through relevant authorities, local enterprises and entrepreneurship will be discouraged, and if this happens, it will further push our ailing economy to the precipice. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija recalls that the country is currently battling with dwindling fortunes of the naira, high inflation and a worrisome investors flight that has left the country to grape with the exit of some multinational companies from Nigeria. 

NAOSS, the umbrella body of Ogun State Students', condemns this economic sabotage in strong terms.”

The Students' body leader, Thomas, highlighted the significant foreign exchange losses incurred by importing Adire, a fabric locally produced in Ogun State. 

"Every culture treasures its crafts, fabrics, music, and other cultural values. Adire is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Egba people and must be protected," Thomas asserted. 

He warned that unchecked importation of Adire from China will diminish the globally recognized quality of Itoku Adire and harm the cultural heritage and businesses that have thrived for generations. 

Thomas therefore urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against the importers of Chinese Adire by imposing strict sanctions.

He also called for additional measures to protect local Adire makers and provide them with incentives to promote local content development. 

"Adire is a fabric of national identity, and the government must make efforts to preserve it," stated, Thomas. 

"We must not allow Adire to suffer the same fate as palm oil, where we spend vast amounts of money to import something we have in abundance locally." 

Thomas also urged the National Orientation Agency to intensify awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the importance of buying and wearing locally made Adire, rather than Chinese imitations. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija also recalls that former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had previously called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of Chinese Adire to protect the local market and prevent the "bastardization" of this traditional fabric. 

The Students' body, in its conclusion, pleaded with the Federal Government to use all available resources to safeguard locally made Adire and other locally produced goods from foreign imports.