Textile expert Ireti Bakare-Yusuf has called for greater recognition of Nigerian-made lace, arguing that locally produced fabrics should not be labelled as Austrian products.

Bakare-Yusuf said Nigeria had played a significant role in the development and growth of the lace industry, challenging the widespread perception that lace fabrics used in Nigeria were exclusively imported from Austria.

She said the country had developed considerable expertise in textile production and that Nigerian manufacturers should receive greater recognition for the quality and creativity of locally produced lace.

According to her, describing Nigerian-made lace as Austrian undermines local manufacturers and obscures Nigeria’s contribution to the textile industry.

She called for greater awareness of the origin of locally manufactured fabrics and urged Nigerians to support domestic textile production.

Bakare-Yusuf also stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s textile value chain to create jobs, promote local manufacturing and retain more economic value within the country.

She said greater recognition of Nigerian textile products could help change perceptions about locally made fabrics and encourage further investment in the industry.