Branding & Marketing

Mo’Afrique commissions Abuja factory, unveils Modish as FG praises local manufacturing

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind efforts to deepen industrialisation and local manufacturing, commending leading African garment company, Mo’Afrique, for commissioning a state-of-the-art factory in Abuja and unveiling its new fashion brand, Modish.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, gave the commendation during the inauguration of the facility, describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing potential and a major step towards job creation, economic growth, and strengthening the country’s textile and garment value chain.

Oduwole lauded the Founder and Creative Director of Mo’Afrique, Omobolanle Olawole, for her resilience and commitment to growing the local textile and garment industry despite prevailing challenges.

She urged the company to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand its market across the continent and beyond.

“We expect you to have your garments across Africa and the rest of the world using AfCFTA. This is a pride for the Ministry and for the administration. This is what generates jobs, employment and contributes to GDP growth,” the Minister said.

She added that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs by addressing business climate challenges and promoting productivity.

“It is not easy, but every journey begins with a step. A business that started 10 years ago in a bedroom is today commissioning a factory. That is the kind of industrialisation we want to see,” she stated.

Oduwole further expressed pride in Nigerian entrepreneurs, describing them as determined and resilient, while assuring continued government backing to enable them thrive.

In her remarks, Olawole described the commissioning of the factory and the launch of Modish as a historic milestone, marking Mo’Afrique’s 10th anniversary.

She said the occasion symbolises not just the unveiling of a brand or facility, but a broader vision for the transformation of Nigeria’s garment industry.

“Ten years ago, Mo’Afrique was a dream fuelled by passion and creativity. The journey has not been easy, but we remained steadfast, guided by excellence and supported by the trust of our clients and partners,” she said.

She, however, highlighted the structural challenges facing the Nigerian garment sector, noting that between 2010 and 2025, the industry struggled against high-volume, low-cost imports amid weak local production capacity.

According to her, Nigeria spends about $6 billion annually on imported clothing, with over 90 per cent of widely used fabrics such as Ankara sourced from abroad.

She identified smuggling, porous borders and inadequate infrastructure as major constraints limiting domestic production, despite various government interventions, including the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and the Cotton, Garment and Textile policy.

“The paradox is that while Ankara is central to our cultural identity, most of it is imported. However, high-quality locally made garments are beginning to emerge, proving that with the right technology and vision, Nigeria can build a competitive industry,” she noted.

Olawole explained that Modish was conceived as a strategic response to these challenges, with a long-term plan to strengthen the entire textile and clothing value chain.

“With a five to 10-year plan, we aim to transform today’s challenges into opportunities and build a truly local, integrated clothing industry,” she said.

She added that the newly commissioned factory is designed as a hub of innovation and sustainability, equipped with modern machinery and advanced technology to enable large-scale production without compromising quality.

According to her, the facility will also serve as a training ground for local talent, creating jobs and enhancing skills within the sector.

“It is proof that Nigerian fashion can compete globally, not only in creativity but also in manufacturing excellence,” she said.