The EU, working alongside the Federal Government, is stepping up initiatives to foster circular practices within the fashion and textile sector. This effort aligns with the worldwide movement towards eliminating waste, which is being championed through the UN’s objectives.
At the observance of International Zero Waste Day on April 4, 2025, in Nigeria, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted during his speech the critical necessity of addressing the substantial waste generated by the textile sector—which currently stands at approximately 92 million tons per year—owing to its severe environmental and societal consequences.
“Outdated garments frequently end up in uncontrolled landfills or are set ablaze, resulting in significant environmental damage and adverse effects on public well-being, particularly impacting susceptible populations,” stated Mignot.
He pointed out that this year’s theme, ” Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textile,” highlights the unsustainable practices of excessive production and consumption fueled by fast-fashion business models.
He mentioned that the extensive usage of synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels substantially adds to microplastic contamination, posing greater risks to both ecological systems and human well-being.
To address these issues, Mignot emphasized the EU’s continuous cooperation with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization via the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group.
This platform brings together important players to promote circular economy policies designed for inclusive green development.
Its accomplishments include the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), the National Environmental Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023) from NESREA, and the newly introduced National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024), which was presented during the previous year’s Zero Waste Day celebration.
Our newest initiative with UNIDO is centered around handling waste produced by renewable energy systems such as solar panels and batteries,” explained Mignot. “Our aim is to ensure that products and materials stay in use through processes like reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, and composting, thereby preventing them from turning into waste.
He believes that transitioning to a circular economy offers significant opportunities in various industries including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, and the arts, which can positively impact the environment, biodiversity, and economic growth.
At the same event, Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, also spoke, emphasizing his organization’s dedication to promoting circular economy principles.
“As a leading advocate of zero waste, NESREA is proud to be part of initiatives that inspire a cultural and behavioural shift toward sustainable production and consumption,” he said. “We deeply value the EU’s support and look forward to expanding this partnership.”
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, speaking through Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health Omotunde Adeola, commended the European Union, NESREA, non-governmental organizations, and various stakeholders for their contributions to organizing the event.
Lawal highlighted that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding fashion sector substantially adds to textile waste issues. He emphasized that tackling the “take-make-waste” approach is essential for minimizing ecological damage.
Nigeria possesses significant unexplored potential in domains such as transforming waste into art, fostering environmental entrepreneurship, and upcycling,” he stated. “The ministry continues to uphold its dedication to enacting policies that promote zero-waste practices throughout various industries.
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