My take on the Eko Fashion Cluster Shared Facility
You must have heard about the Eko Fashion Hub 1, which is a fashion cluster shared facility for tailors in Lagos, Nigeria.
If you are a tailor or you are into fabric, it’s time to key into this Cluster Shared Facility as you are going to benefit from this.
Eko Fashion Hub 1 – what’s it all about?
Eko Fashion Hub 1 is a shared facility specially designed for tailors in Lagos. The facility is equipped with first-rate machines and equipment that will ensure steady production of ready-made clothes that meet international standards.
What does Eko Fashion Hub 1 offer?
It’s been estimated that when Eko Fashion Hub 1 attains its full scale of production, it will make a diverse range of garments and clothing which include:
- Office wear
- Wedding dresses
- Military uniforms
- Similar products
The aim is to ensure steady supply of clothing lines to stores across Nigeria and internationally, helping to increase government revenue from the non-oil sector.
State-of-the-art machines
Eko Fashion Hub 1 is the first of its kind with over 161 assorted sewing machines. This includes:
- 74 industrial straight sewing machines
- 4 monogramming machines
- Tinko and Coil machines
- 10 industrial steam pressing irons
- Hemming and industrial weaving machines
- 8 industrial button-hole machines
- 5 industrial button tacking machines
Power supply concerns?
We all know power is a major problem in Nigeria. However, Eko Fashion Hub 1 is equipped with:
- 100kva standby generator
- 2kva solar power system (as backup)
This setup is expected to service 380 MSMEs daily, and 136,800 yearly—having a tremendous economic impact.
Government & Private Sector Partnership
The Federal Government partnered with the Lagos State Government, and also involved the Organised Private Sector to make this hub a reality.
My Thoughts
We must understand that small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of any modern economy. The government has realized this and may increase funding to sustain them, preserving millions of jobs directly or indirectly connected.
However, creating an enabling environment is crucial. Issues like kidnapping, banditry, and insecurity must be addressed. No business will thrive in unsafe conditions.
Recall the N50,000 grant for 100,000 SMEs? The Survival Fund must be distributed transparently—not to politicians and their cronies.
Also, free business name registration is not enough. We must tackle the root causes of SME failure such as:
- Multiple taxation
- High cost of raw materials
- Transportation of finished goods
These barriers must be reduced to foster real growth.