As the holy month of Ramadan draws near, tailors in Kano, Nigeria’s textile capital, are bracing themselves for a season of uncertainty. Traditionally, the period leading up to Ramadan is a busy time for the city’s tailoring industry, which is known for its vibrant demand for traditional garments like baban riga and kaftans. However, in this report, Africa Health Report’s Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi, who spoke to several tailors in the state, reveals that this year, their optimism has been significantly dampened by rising material costs and a sharp decline in customer spending.
“I’ve been a tailor for more than 10 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” said Abdul’aziz Shafi’u, a tailor based in the Unguwa-Uku area of Kano. “People are struggling to feed their families, let alone buy new clothes. Fabrics that used to cost ₦2,000 per yard are now ₦4,000, and even basic supplies like thread have doubled in price.”
The 28-year-old Shafi’u added that while Ramadan usually brings an influx of orders for Sallah celebrations, he fears the economic downturn will limit his earnings this year.
A Seasonal Decline: The Struggle to Keep the Needle Moving
The tailoring business is an essential part of Kano’s economy, with countless young men and women depending on it for their livelihoods. However, the combination of economic challenges and the soaring cost of tailoring materials has left many professionals questioning how the season will unfold. While prices for basic food items like rice and maize have dropped recently, this small reprieve has yet to be felt by the city’s tailors.
“Food prices have gone down a bit, but people aren’t thinking about clothes right now,” said Yusuf Abdullahi, a tailor in Fagge. “The priority is food, school fees, and rent. We have to wait and see if people will change their minds as Ramadan gets closer.”
Abduljabbar Sulaiman, a small shop owner in the Tarauni Market, Kano shared a similar sentiment:
“People now prefer to repair old clothes rather than sew new ones,” he said. “I understand their struggles, but it affects my business. Even those who come for new clothes are bargaining more than ever before.”
Sulaiman has resorted to offering discounts to attract customers, though this has significantly reduced his profit margins.
Survival Strategies Amid the Crisis
For some tailors, the path forward is clear: innovate or close shop. Auwal Ahmad, a seasoned tailor in Hotoro, told our correspondent that while business isn’t booming, he has loyal customers who still prioritize new garments for Ramadan.
“Some people, especially those with larger families, still prioritize new clothes for Ramadan and Sallah,” he explained. “Although business is not as booming as it used to be, I am managing. I have regular customers who trust my work, and they keep coming back.”
Ahmad acknowledged the impact of rising costs but emphasized the importance of maintaining quality to retain customers. “Even if the materials are expensive, I don’t compromise on quality. That’s why people trust me,” he said.
Despite this, many tailors continue to grapple with the reality of customers cutting back on spending. Aisha Bello, who runs her tailoring shop, remains cautiously optimistic. “Ramadan is a special time,” she said. “People want to look their best, even in difficult times. I just pray things get better for everyone.”
Prioritizing Survival: Kano’s Households Choose Necessities Over Clothes
For many families in Kano, the choice between food and clothing is no longer a simple one.
Malam Ibrahim Musa, a father of five, expressed the financial strain his family is under this year. “Before, I used to sew at least three new outfits for each of my children during Ramadan. This year, we can only afford one each, and for some of them, they will have to make do with what they already have.”
For Hajiya Maryam Abdullahi, a mother of four, food and school fees have taken precedence. “Last year, we sewed new clothes for all my children, but this year, things are different. Food, school fees, and house rent are taking all our income. We will manage with the clothes we already have.”
Another resident, Usman Garba, noted that while food prices have dropped slightly, the cost of living remains high.
“Even with food prices coming down, everything else is still expensive. Transport, electricity, and other daily expenses are increasing. Buying new clothes for Ramadan is not a priority.”
Similarly, Amina Yusuf, a widow who supports her three children by selling food items, said her focus is on stocking enough food for Ramadan.
“For me, what matters is ensuring my children have enough to eat during fasting. Buying clothes can wait, but food cannot.”
Hope in the Last-Minute Rush?
Although many tailors are grappling with a steady stream of reduced orders, there’s still hope that a last-minute surge in business will arrive, as has happened in previous years. As Ramadan approaches, last-minute customers often flood tailoring shops, seeking new outfits for the holy month and the subsequent Sallah celebrations.
Economic analysts, however, warn that these sporadic surges may not be enough to offset the broader decline in consumer spending.
Dr. Aminu Yakubu, an economic analyst, believes that the effects of the ongoing economic hardship are still too significant to overcome in the short term. “If food prices continue to fall and inflation stabilizes, people might start spending more on things like clothing. But right now, many are still in survival mode.”
A Tough Road Ahead
With just days remaining until Ramadan, Kano’s tailors find themselves at a crossroads. Despite a slight dip in food prices, the overall economic climate—characterized by soaring costs and reduced purchasing power—continues to weigh heavily on the city’s tailoring industry. For many, the future remains uncertain, as they navigate a season marked by both resilience and hardship. The final days before Ramadan may bring the usual rush, but only time will tell if it will be enough to salvage the season for the city’s tailors.
