The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Government, is leading efforts to promote circularity within the fashion and textile sectors as part of the United Nations’ global Zero Waste initiative.
Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the need to address the substantial waste generated by the textile industry, which contributes to an alarming 92 million tonnes of waste worldwide each year. This waste has significant environmental and social repercussions, particularly for vulnerable communities who suffer from its adverse effects on biodiversity and human health. Mignot made these remarks during the International Zero Waste Day event in Abuja, held on April 4, 2025.
This day, which was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2022, aims to foster sustainable consumption, production, and circular economic models. While it is observed on March 30th each year, the celebration in Nigeria highlighted this year’s theme, Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles, addressing the environmental and social challenges created by the fashion industry’s overproduction and consumption.
Mignot pointed out that the fashion industry’s reliance on synthetic fibers made from fossil fuels significantly contributes to microplastic pollution, harming ecosystems and human health. Discarded garments often end up in landfills or are incinerated, exacerbating the environmental and social impacts. “This is why the EU is committed to working with our Nigerian counterparts to tackle the waste issues stemming from the linear economy in Nigeria,” he stated.
The EU has been collaborating with the Nigerian government and other organizations to promote circular economy principles. Mignot highlighted initiatives such as the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), the National Plastic Waste Control Regulation (2023), and the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024). These efforts aim to improve waste management and reduce the environmental footprint of industries, including fashion.
“Our latest collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) focuses on waste management in the renewable energy sector, such as handling solar panels and batteries,” Mignot added.
The ambassador stressed that embracing a circular economy has vast potential across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, and the arts. “The goal is to keep products in use, through repair, reuse, and recycling, preventing them from becoming waste. The transition from waste to wealth is not just possible; it’s already happening,” Mignot affirmed.
Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), reiterated the agency’s commitment to advancing circular economy practices in Nigeria. “We are excited to be part of this effort to promote zero waste, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the EU and other partners to unlock the opportunities within this platform,” Barikor said.
Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, praised the EU’s ongoing support and acknowledged the collaboration between NESREA, NGOs, and other stakeholders in promoting sustainable practices. Represented by Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Lawal emphasized the importance of tackling waste in the textile sector, which has seen rapid growth, resulting in an increase in textile waste. “Nigeria has significant potential to lead innovations in circular economy solutions, including upcycled art and eco-entrepreneurship,” he added.
Lawal reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to developing policies that address waste management challenges, ensuring that the country can contribute to the global shift toward circular economies.
