Minister Lauds Firm’s Inauguration Of Garment Factory To Boost Local Production

The minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, has commended Mo’Afrique, for unveiling a fashion garment factory to strengthen local production capacity in Nigeria.

She applauded the company for its growth and resilience over the past decade, describing the anniversary and factory commissioning as a “double celebration” that reflects both achievement and a new beginning.

She reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, improving the business climate, and promoting industrialisation.

According to the minister, initiatives like the factory will drive job creation, boost employment, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP. She also encouraged the company to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand across Africa and beyond.

The inauguration coincides with Mo’Afrique’s 10th anniversary celebration, where the company launched its new brand, Modish Formals.

The chief executive officer of Mo’Afrique’s Ltd, Omobolanle Olawole, said the expansion was driven by evolving market demands. She noted that corporate clients increasingly require structured, high-quality garments that reflect their brand identity and can be delivered at scale.

“This expansion is a direct response to market demand. Over the years, our corporate clients have required more than bespoke fashion—they need structured, high-quality garments that reflect their brand identity and can be delivered at scale. Modish is our answer to that need,” she said.

Olawole noted that the company is positioned to compete in Nigeria’s bulk garment industry by combining design innovation with production efficiency and operational discipline. The brand will cater to institutions such as the military, paramilitary organisations, corporations, and schools that require large-scale garment production.

According to her, the commissioning of the factory marks Mo’Afrique’s evolution from a boutique luxury fashion house into a comprehensive clothing enterprise capable of serving multiple market segments, including formal, casual, mid-market, and luxury wear.

Equipped with advanced technology and operated by skilled professionals, the facility is designed for high-volume production without compromising quality. It is also expected to create jobs, provide training opportunities, and empower local talent, contributing to broader economic growth.

Olawole highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s garment industry, including competition from low-cost imports, smuggling, and infrastructural deficits. Despite policy interventions, the country still spends an estimated $6 billion annually on imported clothing, with over 90 percent of fabrics such as Ankara sourced from abroad.

She described Modish as part of the solution, with a long-term plan to strengthen the textile and clothing value chain and promote a more integrated, locally driven industry. According to her, the factory is not only a production hub but also a model of innovation and sustainability aimed at positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global garment manufacturing.