Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has commissioned the Kwara State Garment Factory in Ilorin, Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone for the industrial facility as it begins commercial operations under the management of KWS Garment Production Village. The commissioning follows the Kwara State Government's decision to transition the facility to private sector management, with KWS Garment Production Village taking over in May 2026.
The Kwara State Garment Factory, under the management of KWS Garment Production Village, aims to establish a sustainable garment manufacturing business. The model combines public investment in industrial infrastructure with private sector expertise, commercial discipline, and market access. This partnership seeks to serve both Nigerian and international customers, fostering growth in the manufacturing sector.
During his visit, Vice President Shettima toured the facility, observing its production infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. The facility is equipped with industrial machinery and systems for fabric preparation, cutting, sewing, embroidery, printing, finishing, quality control, and packing. This integrated production ecosystem is designed to serve fashion brands, corporate clients, and large-scale uniform and workwear requirements.
KWS Garment Production Village, led by CEO Folake Akindele, is committed to transforming the industrial infrastructure into a commercially productive manufacturing platform. The company focuses on delivering garments reliably, competitively, and at scale. Akindele emphasized that the responsibility now is to make the facility work commercially and sustainably, creating jobs and meeting quality standards.
The workforce at KWS Garment Production Village consists of over 80% women, reflecting the company's commitment to creating meaningful employment and expanding women's participation in Nigeria's manufacturing economy. The facility's operations are expected to support import substitution, local content, skills development, and job creation, retaining more economic value within Nigeria.
CEO Folake Akindele highlighted that the success of KWS Garment Production Village will be measured by its output, customer satisfaction, employee training, and the value it retains within Nigeria. The company aims to build competitive local capacity for garments currently sourced internationally, supporting economic growth and development in the region.
KWS Garment Production Village is a private sector operator focused on industrial production, skills development, sustainability, and expanding African manufacturing capacity. With the commissioning of the Kwara State Garment Factory, the company is poised to make a significant impact in Nigeria's manufacturing sector, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
Key points
- The Kwara State Garment Factory has been commissioned under the management of KWS Garment Production Village, marking a new chapter in its operations.
- The facility aims to establish a sustainable garment manufacturing business, serving Nigerian and international customers.
- Over 80% of KWS Garment Production Village's workforce consists of women, promoting meaningful employment and women's participation in Nigeria's manufacturing economy.
