Known for its bright colors, bold patterns and eclectic style, Nigeria’s fashion industry is about to take a big leap towards sustainability. With the release of a pioneering report on circular fashion, industry leaders are embracing a new era of green innovation and creativity. Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is woven into a sustainable story that has the potential to change the face of fashion in Africa. Driven by passion, innovation and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Nigeria’s fashion industry aims to inspire a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs and become a hub for sustainability. write mary na
In a bold move to combat Nigeria’s escalating textile waste crisis and position the fashion sector at the forefront of sustainability, Innovate UK’s Business Connect has launched a ground-breaking report showcasing circular innovations and solutions. The report launch event in Lagos brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and civil society to demonstrate a unified commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s destructive ‘take, make, dispose’ model and establish a resilient, green fashion ecosystem.
Innovate UK’s Nigeria Country Lead, Akoji John, emphasized that their mission is three-fold. These are: accelerating grassroots innovation, closing skills gaps through knowledge transfer and fostering strategic partnerships across Nigeria, Africa and the UK. “Our goal is to help small businesses grow through structured support, access to finance and innovative practices,” he said. Recognizing the urgent need for industry reform, Akoji proposed the creation of a union or association to unify fashion actors and enable collective bargaining, financing and investment.
Global Alliance Africa Knowledge Transfer Manager Chidubem Ejezie emphasized the importance of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices such as the use of natural dyes and fabrics as the basis for sustainable fashion. “Strengthening these cultural assets alongside modern innovations will deepen Nigeria’s unique contribution to the global circular fashion movement,” he said.
The workshop also featured the Lagos State Director-General of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanusu, who highlighted the environmental damage caused by Nigeria’s booming fashion industry (which is estimated to generate 92 million tonnes of waste annually) and emphasized collective action. “Recycling alone is not enough; the entire textile value chain must become environmentally friendly,” he declared. Sanus envisions Lagos leveraging its cultural heritage and textile technology to create a circular economy that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Industry pioneers showcased innovative projects such as Suss Fabrics, which converts textile waste into biodegradable paper, and artisan collaborations, which empower local artisans, demonstrating Nigeria’s potential to lead in sustainable fashion. But scaling these solutions requires structured support, access to funding, and strategic partnerships, which the workshop aimed to foster.
At the report presentation, participants had a lively discussion about environmentally friendly materials, sustainable production methods, and business models centered on reuse and long life. The demonstration proved that textiles can be transformed into eco-friendly packaging, reusable products and valuable resources, proving that green fashion is not only possible, but also profitable.
The report launch event marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of government, industry leaders and development partners, Nigeria is poised to become a global leader in sustainable fashion, creating jobs, protecting the environment and driving economic growth. As Nigeria boldly moves forward into this sustainable future, the industry is ready to come together, redefine its style narrative and set a powerful example for Africa and the rest of the world.
A new era for the Nigerian fashion industry
The publication of the Circular Fashion Report heralds a new era for the Nigerian fashion industry that prioritizes sustainability, innovation and collaboration. “We are not just talking about sustainability, we are talking about creating a resilient and innovative fashion industry that can drive economic growth and create jobs,” said Akoji John.
With the support of government, industry leaders and development partners, Nigeria’s fashion industry can become a model for sustainable fashion in Africa. The industry’s potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and protect the environment is enormous, and with the right policies and support, Nigeria can unlock this potential and become a leader in sustainability.
Empower small businesses
One of the main focus areas of this report is supporting the growth of SMEs through structured support, access to finance and innovative practices. Mr. Akoji John emphasized that small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and supporting them is essential to fostering economic growth.
This report highlights some innovative projects that demonstrate the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises to advance sustainable fashion in Nigeria. For example, Suss Fabrics’ work to convert textile waste into biodegradable paper is a shining example of innovation and sustainability.
call to action
The report launch event was a call to action for government, industry leaders and development partners to work together to advance sustainable fashion in Nigeria. Dr. Hassan Sanus’ warning that “recycling alone is not enough” highlights the need for a more holistic approach to sustainability.
As Nigeria embarks on a journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry, it is clear that collective action is required to drive meaningful change. With the support of all stakeholders, Nigeria’s fashion industry can become a model for sustainable fashion in Africa, driving economic growth, creating jobs and protecting the environment.
The future of fashion in Nigeria
The future of fashion in Nigeria is bright and the industry is poised to become a leader in sustainable fashion. As Chidubem Ejezie has pointed out, “Nigeria’s unique contribution to the global circular fashion movement” can be further deepened by strengthening cultural assets alongside modern innovations.
With the launch of the Circular Fashion Report, the Nigerian fashion industry is taking an important step towards a more sustainable future. As the industry continues to evolve, it is hoped that Nigeria will become a model for sustainable fashion in Africa, driving economic growth, creating jobs and protecting the environment.
