Restoring Kwara’s industrial glory: the story of the Kwara Garment Factory

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Once upon a time, in the golden decades of the 1970s and 1980s, Kwara State stood tall as a beacon of industrial prowess in Nigeria. The state was home to some of the nation’s most vibrant manufacturing companies—Tate and Lyle Nigeria Limited in Ilorin, Nigeria Paper Mills in Jebba, Nigeria Sugar Company in Bacita, Okin Biscuits Nigeria Limited in Ijagbo, Union Steel Industry in Ajase-Ipo, Patigi Rice Mill in Patigi, and Kwara Textile Limited.

These companies, whether privately or government-owned, formed a formidable industrial backbone, transforming raw agricultural materials into finished products that reached homes within and beyond Kwara State.

The economic ecosystem they supported was immense—jobs for thousands, robust value chains, local sourcing of raw materials, and regional product distribution. But over time, many of these industries ground to a halt, victims of policy missteps, poor management, and shifting economic tides. Their closure created economic vacuums, led to job losses, and accelerated Nigeria’s dependence on imports, weakening the naira and impacting national productivity.

Against this backdrop, the Kwara State Government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has embarked on an ambitious journey to restore the state’s industrial legacy.

Among the most prominent of his administration’s legacy projects is the Kwara Garment Factory, a bold initiative that has begun to reshape the narrative of industrial revival in the state.

Now completed and fully operational, the factory is already buzzing with activity. Thousands of workers—many of them women and youths—are producing culturally inspired fabrics and ready-to-wear garments, contributing to the local economy and reclaiming Kwara’s place as a hub for textile production.

At the helm of this modern facility is Managing Director Hajia Bukola Adedeji, who describes the factory as more than just a production facility.

“The Kwara Garment Factory was established with a clear vision—to employ, empower, and elevate,” Adedeji said. “Today, we are proud to say we are achieving that. We’ve created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with a strong focus on women and youth.”

She emphasized the factory’s commitment to quality and innovation. “Our workforce expansion and productivity measures ensure that every garment produced meets high standards of quality, durability, and customer satisfaction. We use modern testing equipment to assess fabric strength, color fastness, and stitching integrity.”

According to Adedeji, the factory serves not just as a manufacturing center but as a strategic enabler of government programs and a promoter of Kwara’s cultural identity.

“What we have achieved between January and April 2025 is not just a series of milestones—it’s a story of vision, commitment, and impact,” she remarked.

“None of this would have been possible without the bold leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Under his guidance, the Kwara Garment Factory has become a symbol of what is possible when government investment meets local potential.”

The factory gained national recognition in January 2025 when it hosted Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her working visit to the state.

She lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s strategic focus on women and youth empowerment, and personally awarded ₦20,000 each to hundreds of factory workers, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity they had been given.

The factory’s production record is equally impressive. So far, it has produced 25,000 tote bags for various organizations, demonstrating its capacity for high-volume output. It also manufactures overalls, branded polo shirts, and bespoke aso-oke souvenir bags—each item a blend of utility and cultural heritage.

“These aren’t just products,” Adedeji noted. “They are cultural ambassadors, woven with the essence of Kwara’s rich traditions.”

Factory staff are also continuously trained in modern garment-making techniques to ensure the maintenance of international standards.

As Kwara State finds its way back to industrial greatness, the Kwara Garment Factory is more than just a factory—it’s a sign of what’s possible when leadership, local talent, and cultural pride come together. It’s not just about making clothes; it’s about creating jobs, reviving dreams, and building a future everyone can be proud of.