The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, 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 while inaugurating the House Committee on North West Development Commission (NWDC) yesterday 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.
Abbas remarked that the situation has been 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 with conducting 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.
The Speaker 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.
