Designer urges Nigerian Government for fashion-friendly environment

On Feb 4, 2024

A fashion designer located in Abuja, Mr. Pius Akan, is urging the Nigerian Government to create a conducive atmosphere for the growth of the fashion industry.

Mr Pius, the Chief Executive Officer of ‘P Collection’ based in the Federal Capital Territory, stated to reporters on Sunday that Nigeria’s fashion industry is at the forefront in Africa.
According to him, the industry is capable of employing up to 20,000 designers in FCT, if provided with an enabling environment.

He added that government’s provision of environment conducive for the industry would help it to thrive, as well as contribute to the GDP of the nation.
“Government should give us an enabling environment and loan facilities for the industry to thrive.”
“As I speak, we have a staff strength of 40 workers presently, but if we get a good factory, we will be able to employ at least 1,000 staff.”
”There is synergy between fashion and entertainment. Without fashion, entertainment cannot thrive because they work hand in hand.”
“We are already leading in Africa with fashion and we have a whole lot of passionate fashion designers who are doing well in the field.”
“We are competing with Italians and Spanish. I can even sit in my room and carve out lovable designs. What we need is assistance from the government to achieve more of this,” he said.
Akan further said that fashion happened to be a thing of the mind, adding that when one had passion on whatever he or she was doing, there would be joy.
”I was inspired by my mum, who is also a fashion lover and has been a wonderful journey so far.”
“We deal in all fashion wears, casual, corporate; we have started with our own collection brand.”
”My own brands that I designed are produced in Turkey. We plan on bringing apparels but we do not have such facilities now because no finances to establish such factories.
”If we have an enabling environment, people have a lot of ideas. Nigerians have a lot of skills to do the unexpected when they are given the opportunity,” he added.

NAN/O.O