In collaboration with the federal government, the European Union (EU) has initiated extensive efforts to promote waste management within the fashion and textile sector, aligning with the United Nation’s global initiative for achieving zero waste.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot emphasized the importance of decreasing the waste produced within the textile sector, which accumulates to a staggering 92 million tons each year worldwide. This excessive wastage leads to significant environmental and societal consequences, particularly impacting biodiversity and public health, with disadvantaged individuals being affected most severely throughout the nation.
During this year’s International Zero Waste Day event held in Nigeria on April 4, 2025, he disclosed this information in Abuja. The United Nations General Assembly created this observance in December 2022 with the aim of promoting sustainable consumption and production practices as well as encouraging a circular economy. This global initiative is commemorated yearly on March 30.
He pointed out that this year’s theme — aiming for zero waste in fashion and textiles — highlights the environmental and social issues stemming from the practices of the fashion and textile industries. These sectors promote overproduction and excessive consumption through their business models.
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The utilization of synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels adds to microplastic contamination, which damages ecosystems and poses risks to human well-being. When clothes are discarded, they frequently result in improper disposal through dumping or burning, leading to significant environmental and societal repercussions, with marginalized 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 toward fostering a circular economy. He mentioned that presently, the EU along with the Ministry of Environment, alongside UNIDO—the United Nations Industrial Development Organization—are jointly leading the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group. This group convenes key stakeholders to advocate for circular economy concepts and methods aimed at facilitating inclusive green development.
The group has been involved in several initiatives such as the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), NESREA’s National Environmental Regulation for Plastic Waste Control (2023), and the launch of the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024). The roadmap was unveiled during last year’s observance of International Zero Waste Day.
“Our newest initiative with UNIDO focuses on tackling waste generated by the renewable energy industry, such as discarded solar panels and batteries,” he mentioned additionally.
Mignot highlighted the significant potential and numerous opportunities presented by the circular economy across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, arts, and culture among others. He stated, “Ultimately, it’s all about making sure that products never turn into waste. Ensuring that products and materials remain in use via maintenance, reuse, renovation, remanufacturing, and either recycling or composting.”
The benefits can be immense for the environment, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, improved land use, cleaner air, and better water quality. Similarly, this shift offers significant advantages for economic growth and communities. Transitioning from waste to wealth is both feasible and currently underway.
The Director-General and CEO of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing the concept of a circular economy. He mentioned, “As leaders in fostering the circular economy, we are enthusiastic about being integral parts of initiatives designed to support and actively drive this approach, which encourages reducing waste and getting everyone involved.”
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 chances offered here for our professional 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 NGOs, and other key participants for their role in arranging the event. He emphasized how the gathering supports Nigeria’s dedication to effective waste management and adheres to the worldwide objective of achieving zero waste. Additionally, he pointed out that this year’s theme underscores the critical importance of minimizing waste and fostering circular practices as well as accountable manufacturing and usage patterns.
The Minister, as presented through the Director from the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department within the Ministry—Omotunde Adeola—stated: “Nigeria encounters substantial obstacles concerning waste management specifically within the textile sector. As the fashion industry expands at a rapid pace, this leads to an upsurge in textile refuse. This sector’s practices promote a linear model of ‘take, make, dispose,’ which culminates in enormous quantities of waste.”
Nigeria boasts substantial potential ranging from fashion and textiles to waste-to-art creations, underscoring the country’s significant opportunity to advance 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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