In its bid to keep promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export, the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) Trade Resource Center (ATRC) under the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has concluded a visit to a garment manufacturing firm, Wessy Creations Tailoring and Vocational Institute, Abeokuta, Ogun State recently.
The factory visit was carried out in order to encourage and promote the Textile and Garment industry and assess the export readiness and needs of the garment factory for assistance by the NEPC-ATRC. Another aim of the visit was to facilitate capacity building and skills development for value chain process of mass production of international standard garments for export under the AGOA platform to the US.
Speaking during the visit, leader of the delegation, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel said, “Federal Government in its bid to diversify the economy solely relying on oil, is looking into other sectors and the garment industry is one potential foreign exchange earner for the nation.”
She however promised that, “The garment factory will get the much needed government assistance through the NEPC.”
Chairman of Wessy Creation, Otunba Wasiu Taiwo who welcomed the delegation to his factory, was elated that his contribution to the Nigerian economy is recognised.
Taiwo who established the outfit in 1979 however seized the opportunity to solicit further assistance and corporation from the NEPC-ATRC.
“I appreciate this visit and I am using the opportunity to solicit the support of the NEPC-ATRC in facilitating the engagement of the required professional technical know-how which is crucial for the rapid workforce skills development and growth of our outfit,” he requested.
Taiwo also expressed believe that the visit will contribute in no small measure to the growth and development of the garment factory which shall be evident in no distant time.
He promised that with great commitment, he will make the best out of the garment industry by exploring and utilising every opportunity to transform the garment and fashion industry.
Also on the delegation was Mr. Emmanuel Odonkwo, an apparel expert from Ghana who was impressed with the garment facility.
The apparel expert, Odonkor commended the effort and preparedness of Wessy Creations, and expressed his strong believe that with the necessary technical support and training to enhance the skills of the work force, their great talent would be unearthed to perfectly match the international garment competition anywhere in the world.
The team however recommended that there should be a capacity building trainings for the
Garment Technologist, Pattern Drafting workers, The Machinist, Machine Engineers, Factory Manager and Quality Control Manager.
Also in the recommendation is the need to develop the textile industry for quality fabrics at low cost to make the garments produced competitive, creation of a library at the existing studio of the institute.
The team also recommended further purchase of the CAD CAM Software for auto measurement and Gerber machines Series: Plotter, cutter etc. and government support for working capital at zero cost.
It was also noted that the company requires international network of experts to assist in moving it to the next level.
The institute was also advised to change the name of the company from “Tailoring to Garmenting” for better branding in line with international standards.
