The European Union, alongside the Federal Government, is advocating for circular practices within the fashion and textile sector, aligning with the global UN initiative towards zero waste.
Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of decreasing the waste produced within the textile sector, which currently totals around 92 million tons per year worldwide. This substantial amount leads to significant environmental and societal consequences, particularly impacting biodiversity and public health, with disadvantaged individuals being affected most severely throughout the nation.
He made this known in Abuja during this year’s International Zero Waste Day event which was marked in Nigeria on 4th of April 2025. The day, which was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2022 to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and foster a circular economy, is celebrated every 30th of March annually according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
He noted that this year’s theme – towards zero waste in fashion and textile – underscored the environmental and social challenges caused by fashion and textile sectors in their business model, which drives overproduction and overconsumption.
The utilization of synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels exacerbates microplastic contamination, damaging both ecosystems and human well-being. When clothes are discarded, they frequently result in unregulated disposal, incineration, and significant environmental and societal repercussions, with disadvantaged groups being particularly affected.
“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,” he stated.
Ambassador Mignot highlighted the European Union’s initiatives aimed at advancing the circular economy. He mentioned that presently, the EU along with the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization jointly lead the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group. This group convenes key stakeholders to advocate for circular economy concepts and applications, fostering sustainable economic development that benefits everyone environmentally.
Several collaborative efforts undertaken by the group encompass the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency’s National Environmental Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023), along with the launch of the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024) at last 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 sector, specifically dealing with discarded solar panels and batteries.”
Amb. Mignot emphasized the significant potential and opportunities presented by the circular economy in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, arts, and culture among others, stating, “Ultimately, it’s all about making sure products never turn into waste. Products and materials should be maintained, reused, refurbished, remanufactured, and recycled or composted to keep them circulating.”
As he stated, “The benefits could be significant for the environment, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, improved soil health, cleaner air, and better water quality. Similarly, this shift holds substantial economic advantages and enhances the well-being of individuals. Transitioning from waste to wealth is both feasible and currently underway.”
The Director-General and CEO of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing the concept of a circular economy. He mentioned, “Given our role as leaders in advocating for the circular economy, it energizes us to be actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting—and successfully implementing—the principles of such an economy. This encourages everyone under our jurisdiction to embrace the idea of eliminating waste entirely.”
We appreciate the consistent support from the European Union. Looking ahead, we see ample room for further development, and we are eager to delve into the numerous prospects and opportunities this environment offers for our endeavors. We anticipate enhanced cooperation and partnership.
During his speech, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal praised the contributions of the European Union, alongside NESREA, local non-governmental organizations, and other pertinent parties for their role in organizing the event. He emphasized how the gathering supports Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable waste management as well as the worldwide initiative toward achieving zero waste. Additionally, he pointed out that this year’s theme underscores the critical necessity to decrease waste levels and encourage circular practices and conscientious manufacturing and usage patterns.
Omotunde Adeola, who spoke for the Minister through his representation as the Director at the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department within the Ministry, stated: “Waste management issues in Nigeria’s textile sector are quite substantial. With the rapid expansion of the fashion industry comes an upsurge in textile waste. This growth promotes a linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model which generates enormous quantities of refuse.”
Nigeria possesses significant potential ranging from the realms of fashion and textiles to waste-to-art innovations, underscoring the country’s vast capacity to promote a circular economy via upcycled art, sustainable entrepreneurship, and creative waste management solutions.
The Federal Ministry of Environment continues to be committed to implementing policies and acknowledging the critical necessity of tackling waste management issues across various sectors.
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