In the 1990s, the textile industry in Nigeria was a key driver of the economy, providing employment to hundreds of thousands in Africa's most populous country.

"It was full of activities, from Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Onitsha, textile factories were located in all those places," said Hamma Ali Kwajaffa, the head of Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association.

Textile mills across the country produced high-quality fabrics for Nigerian buyers as well as international markets. Booming production chains also supported local cotton farmers.

Today, however, only a few factories remain, and even those are struggling amid the influx of cheap textiles from abroad — particularly from China.

Nigeria still boasts domestic cotton farms. However, its textile manufacturers need to procure dye, chemicals, starch and synthetic fibers from other countries.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

In contrast, China's textile industry benefits from an integrated supply chain, where all the necessary goods and even machinery are available domestically.

"China already produces all the raw materials," said Anibe Achimugu,........

© Deutsche Welle