The garment industry in the West is a money-spinning one. In South East Asia, places like China and Korea etc are markets to get products at good deals and sell in the western markets.
The factories in these regions produce for designers and labels sold to stores.
However, we in Africa are still very removed from this market which if we develop and focused our attention on it, it will add greatly to our revenue.
We lack the finishing skill. The West are very concerned about quality and liabilty is serious business. Therefore every aspect of the Garment must pass testing.
We have not understood the labeling.
The moderates, target to the department stores, the bridge and designer lines before the couture lines. Line development is very key.
The Engineering precision of the specifications are computer generated and a size 12 must be size 12.
I once supplied my line of clothing to department stores. I was given a stack of books to read about quality, packaging, labeling, etc. I thought I was going for an exam.
The products could not leave the factory until the engineer came to measure, inspect and gave OK to ship. Likewise, when we supplied Uniforms to airlines we had to meet specifications.
I got specifications from the Economic Development Center, data and statistics on the market were available. The SON Standard Organization of Nigeria and other agencies need to develop Synergy in this market. All hands must be on deck to be a player where buyers will come to source for products. This is a source of huge revenue.
Textiles
I wanted to use African prints to show my culture they could not deliver in bales for the cutting table they delivered in 6 yards pieces. Come and see waste!
Where do we go?
An understanding of the apparel market is crucial at this point. The Nigerian government is trying so hard to get it right by funding and etc. but there is a need to have well trained factory workers, quality assurance and right attitude in The garment industry.
We are used to Tailor Tailor. Which is far from understanding ready to wear. Our concept of this market is still very rudimentary.
We have cotton our textile mills need to be revived.
Ancillary industries from thread and button manufacturing will arise from this market. Packaging and many areas which will gulp the unemployed labour force. It’s an extremely labour intensive market.
A summit is needed for once we understand this market we will be a major player ready to take the apparel market by a storm.
Let’s give it a focused try. We can do it in Africa. Yes we can! It will definitely change the unemployment narrative in Nigeria.
