The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has stated that the recent commencement of polypropylene production by the Dangote Refinery has the potential to revive Nigeria’s struggling textile industry.

Reportedly in an interview, Ajayi-Kadir described the development as a game-changer, highlighting that the refinery’s 830,000 metric tonnes annual production capacity far exceeds the country’s local demand of 250,000 metric tonnes.

He noted that this milestone would eliminate the need for polypropylene imports, saving Nigeria over $267 million and reducing the pressure on foreign exchange.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that polypropylene is essential for manufacturing carpets, ropes, and nonwoven fabrics, including hygiene products like diapers and sanitary pads. He recalled that Nigeria’s textile industry, which once employed over 25,000 workers, collapsed due to poor investment and other challenges. However, with local production of polypropylene, he believes the sector can be revitalized.

“You can imagine the boost this will bring, now that we no longer need to rely on foreign exchange to meet our polypropylene needs,” he said.

Currently, 90% of Nigeria’s polypropylene demand is met through imports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, China, and India. With the Dangote Refinery’s large-scale production, Nigeria is poised to become a net exporter of the product.

Ajayi-Kadir urged the government to support local manufacturing by incentivizing investments and encouraging the patronage of locally made products.