The European Union, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, is promoting a circular economy in the fashion and textile industry, aligning with the United Nations’ International Zero Waste Agenda. This initiative aims to reduce the staggering 92 million tons of textile waste generated globally each year, which harms biodiversity, human health, and the environment, okay.ng reports.
The partnership seeks to address the environmental and social challenges caused by the fashion and textile sectors’ business model, which drives overproduction and overconsumption. The use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibers 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.
The EU and Nigerian government are working together to address waste generation problems associated with the linear economy in Nigeria. Some notable initiatives include the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), National Environmental Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023), and National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024).
A circular economy offers numerous benefits, including reduced waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also promotes sustainable consumption patterns, responsible production practices, and the creation of new job opportunities. By keeping products and materials in circulation through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, and recycling or composting, the gains can be enormous for climate, biodiversity, land, air, and water quality, as well as the economy and people.
The EU, Nigerian government, and international organizations, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), are committed to promoting a circular economy in Nigeria’s textile sector. This partnership aims to support sustainable development, encourage responsible production and consumption, and address waste management challenges in the textile industry.
