As Nigeria’s fashion industry expands, the Chief Executive Officer of Mevesi, Makua Eyisi says unlocking its full potential requires stronger local manufacturing, better infrastructure, patient financing and technology to reduce costs, create jobs and boost global competitiveness in this interview with JUSTICE OKAMGBA
Nigeria’s fashion industry is expanding, but heavy reliance on imported fabrics persists. What opportunities and challenges do you see in strengthening the country’s local manufacturing ecosystem?
There are many challenges, but really, with challenges come opportunities too. It is like two sides of the same coin.
We have incredible creative talent. We have a large domestic market. We have entrepreneurs who are building world-class brands. Nigerian fashion has shown that there is creativity, skill and the ability to compete. But we are still importing many of the inputs, and that makes production expensive.
A stronger local manufacturing ecosystem would help address some of these challenges. If we strengthen local textile manufacturing, improve fabric quality, invest in dyeing and finishing technology, and support garment production clusters, we will reduce costs, create jobs and make Nigerian brands more competitive globally.
