FG Assures Traders: “China Adire” Importation Hinges on Patronage, Not Ban

• The NEPC addresses concerns of local Adire fabric traders, assuring that only lack of patronage, not a ban, is needed
• At the Ewa Ede Cultural Festival, the State Coordinator emphasizes the importance of supporting local fabrics to preserve cultural heritage

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has addressed concerns raised by indigenous Adire/Kampala fabric traders, assuring them that only a lack of patronage, not a ban, would stem the influx of the alleged adulterated version termed “China Adire.”

Protests emerged among local producers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, decrying the imitation of their designs and adulteration of products by Chinese manufacturers. The term ‘China Adire’ began circulating about two years ago, and its increased presence this year prompted frustrations from local producers, urging the Federal Government to impose a ban on the foreign fabrics.

During the Ewa Ede Cultural Festival and Adire Textile Training and Exhibition in Abeokuta, NEPC State Coordinator, Mrs. Francisca Odega, emphasized that the prevalence of ‘China Adire’ in the market is primarily due to local patronage. She stated that only a lack of patronage would deter further importation of the product.

Odega noted that calls for a ban may not materialize, given Nigeria’s export activities under bilateral trade agreements. She cautioned that unless Nigerians support local fabrics and traders refrain from selling imported ones, the rich heritage of indigenous fabrics could face extinction.

“If we don’t patronize our products, nobody is going to patronize it for us. Forget the narrative that China Adire is cheap; if we don’t patronize our own product, nobody would. China may be cheap and bring some gains, but the repercussions of it are that we will lose our heritage. In time, China will take over,” she asserted.

The State Coordinator advocated for a collective effort to discontinue the use and sale of ‘China Adire,’ stressing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for local artisans.

In her remarks, the First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, commended the organizer of the program, Adejoke Somoye, founder of the Gbagede Ewaede Foundation, for their dedication to preserving the legacy of Adire textiles in Ogun State. The event included the presentation of certificates to 1,000 youths trained in the production and marketing of Adire fabrics, as well as prizes for outstanding Yoruba teachers and students.