EU, Nigerian Government Collaborate to Advance Zero-Waste in Fashion and Textile Sector
EU, Nigerian Government Collaborate to Advance Zero-Waste in Fashion and Textile Sector
In a significant push towards environmental sustainability, the European Union (EU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting circular economy practices in the fashion and textile industry—one of the world’s most polluting sectors.
This partnership aligns with the United Nations’ International Zero Waste agenda and was highlighted during the recent observance of International Zero Waste Day in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, emphasized the urgent need to tackle the staggering 92 million tons of textile waste generated globally each year. He warned that this waste not only threatens biodiversity and human health but also places disproportionate burdens on vulnerable communities.
“This year’s theme—Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textile—reflects the urgent environmental and social challenges posed by fast fashion’s model of overproduction and overconsumption,” Mignot noted.
He criticized the widespread use of fossil-fuel-based synthetic fibres that contribute to microplastic pollution and the harmful practices of open dumping and burning discarded clothing. “These practices come at a huge cost to our environment and the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
The Ambassador also spotlighted joint initiatives like the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group, co-chaired by the EU, Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The group has already delivered key policy frameworks including:
- The National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021)
- The National Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023)
- The National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024)
“Our latest project targets waste in the renewable energy sector, including solar panels and batteries,” Mignot added. “The goal is simple—keep materials in circulation as long as possible through reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.”
Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, praised the EU’s continued support and reiterated NESREA’s commitment to sustainable practices. “We are excited to be at the forefront of promoting the circular economy and encouraging Nigerians to embrace a zero-waste lifestyle,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal—represented by the Director of Pollution Control, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola—described the theme as timely. He noted that Nigeria’s booming fashion industry is a double-edged sword, generating opportunities but also increasing textile waste.
“The fashion industry in Nigeria mirrors the global take-make-dispose model. But with initiatives like this, we can harness the sector’s creative energy for sustainable innovation—from waste-to-art and eco-entrepreneurship to off-cycled fashion,” Lawal said.
As Nigeria continues its transition toward a circular economy, stakeholders remain optimistic that stronger partnerships and policy alignment will create economic opportunities while protecting the planet.
References
EU, Nigerian Government Collaborate to Advance Zero-Waste in Fashion and Textile Sector