The European Union (EU), in partnership with the federal government, is promoting circularity in the fashion and textile industry, in line with the United Nations (UN) international zero-waste agenda.
Gautier Mignot, the European Union’s ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the urgency of decreasing the waste produced by the textile sector, amounting to a significant 92 million tons per year worldwide. Such waste has substantial environmental and social repercussions, particularly impacting biodiversity and public health, with disadvantaged individuals bearing much of this burden within the nation.
He announced this in Abuja during the celebration of this year’s International Zero Waste Day event. This observance, set up by the UN General Assembly in December 2022 to encourage sustainable consumption and production practices as well as support a circular economy, takes place each year on March 30th.
He pointed out that this year’s theme—aiming for zero waste in fashion and textiles—highlighted the ecological and societal issues triggered by the fashion and textile industries through their current practices, which promote excessive production and consumption.
“The use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibres contributes to microplastic pollution, harming ecosystems and human health. Discarded clothing often leads to open dumping, burning, and severe environmental and social consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
He stated, ‘This is precisely why the EU keeps collaborating closely with our Nigerian counterparts to tackle waste generation issues linked to the linear economy in Nigeria.’
Several projects undertaken collectively by the group encompass the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency’s (NESREA) National Environmental Regulation for Plastic Waste Control (2023), along with the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024), which was unveiled at the previous year’s International Zero Waste Day event. He further mentioned, “Our most recent collaboration with UNIDO aims to tackle waste issues within the renewable energy industry, particularly involving solar panels and batteries.”
Highlighting the immense potentials and opportunities that the circular economy offers in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, arts and culture, and others, Amb. Mignot said, “The truth of the matter is about ensuring that products never become waste. That products and materials are kept in circulation through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, and recycling or composting.”
He stated, “The potential benefits could be immense for the environment—covering aspects of climate change, biodiversity, land use, air quality, and water purity—and just as significant for economic growth and communities. Transitioning from waste to wealth is both achievable and currently underway.”
Innocent Barikor, who serves as both the director-general and CEO of NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency), reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering a circular economy. He expressed enthusiasm about their involvement in shaping initiatives aimed at promoting such an economic model, stating, “As leaders in advancing the concept of a circular economy, we are thrilled whenever we play a key role in these efforts designed to encourage zero-waste practices among our population.”
We appreciate the consistent support from the European Union. Looking ahead, we see ample room for further development, and we’re eager to delve into the numerous prospects and chances available here for our projects. We anticipate enhanced cooperation and partnership moving forward.
During his speech, Minister Balarabe Lawal praised the initiatives taken by the EU, NESREA, local NGOs, and other pertinent parties for their role in arranging this event.
He pointed out that the event coincides with Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable waste management as well as the worldwide zero-waste initiative. Additionally, he mentioned that this year’s theme emphasizes the critical necessity of decreasing waste and fostering circular practices along with accountable manufacturing and consumption patterns.
The minister, through the director of the ministry’s Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Omotunde Adeola, stated, “There are considerable waste management issues within Nigeria’s textile industry.”
“The fashion industry is rapidly growing, resulting in an increase in textile waste. Fashion encourages a take, make, and dispose approach, resulting in massive amounts of waste.
“Nigeria has immense potential from fashion and textile to waste-to-art innovations, highlighting Nigeria’s immense potential for advancing a circular economy through off-cycled art, eco-entrepreneurship, and innovative waste solution.”
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