By Bianca Iboma-Emefu

In a groundbreaking effort to combat the escalating textile and fashion waste threatening Nigeria’s environment, Innovate UK’s Business Connect has recently hosted a transformative workshop and launched a report:”UK-Nigeria Circular Fashion Pathway Report,” aimed at steering the industry toward sustainable, circular fashion practices.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and civil society, highlighting the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s traditional “take, make, dispose” approach to fashion.

Moreover, the workshop featured insightful presentations by experts and stakeholders in the environment and fashion sectors on addressing environmental degradation and promoting sustainability.

The team was led by Akoji John, Nigeria’s country lead for Innovate UK, and Chidubem Ejezie, Knowledge Transfer Manager. The event underscored the importance of reforming Nigeria’s unstructured and complex fashion ecosystem into a vibrant, sustainable sector capable of unlocking the country’s economic potential.

Akoji  emphasized how Innovate UK’s mission focused on three key pillars: supporting grassroots entrepreneurs’ innovative ideas, facilitating knowledge transfer to bridge the skills gap, and fostering strategic partnerships across Nigeria, Africa and the UK.

“Our goal is to ensure that small businesses are not left behind but are empowered to grow through structured support, access to finance, and innovative practices,” he affirmed.

Addressing Nigeria’s fragmented and informal circular fashion landscape, Akoji proposed the creation of unions and associations to unify the industry. “When these fashion entities speak with a single voice, we can unlock opportunities for funding, investment, and collaboration that “are currently out of reach,” he explained. The establishment of the Circular Fashion Global Innovation Network represents a promising step toward formalizing the sector and attracting vital resources.

However, he  highlighted a significant policy gap: Nigeria lacks comprehensive regulations tailored to circular fashion, especially beyond plastic waste. He called on government stakeholders to develop clear policies on textile waste management, incentivize sustainable disposal practices, and integrate circularity principles into educational curricula.

“A coordinated policy framework is essential to guide industry players and ignite the sector’s growth,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Ejezie underscored the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainability. Traditional Nigerian practices, such as natural dyeing and fabric usage, offer a rich foundation for eco-conscious fashion. Reinforcing these practices alongside modern innovations could deepen Nigeria’s unique contribution to the global circular fashion movement.

Ejezie reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Nigeria’s fashion revolution, emphasizing that support remains open to startups and SMEs seeking to innovate and expand.

“Whether you’re rethinking dyeing processes or developing new upcycling techniques, we’re ready to partner with you,” she stated.

On his part, Director of the Sanitation Services Department at Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,

Dr Hassan Sanuth, highlighted the importance of collective action.

He said: “It is necessary to raise awareness among consumers, designers, and policymakers about the significance of circular fashion practices.

“This is not just about recycling; it involves transforming the entire textile value chain into a more eco-friendly and sustainable system.”

As Nigeria’s fashion industry continues to grow, so does its environmental footprint. The sector now generates an estimated 92 million tonnes of waste annually—a figure that experts warn is spiralling out of control. With textile waste becoming a major environmental concern, the workshop emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions that can turn discarded fabrics into valuable resources.

The session aimed to advance circular solutions and environmental stewardship, highlighting the necessity for a transformative approach to fashion in Lagos and beyond.

Speaking to an engaged audience, Sanuth noted the ecological challenges posed by the traditional linear fashion model, which contributes to alarming waste levels and unsustainable consumption patterns. “We must rethink our approach to fashion,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of designing garments that can be reused, repaired, or recycled, thereby minimizing their environmental impact.

Sanuth’s presentation was not merely a call to action; it was a vision for a future where fashion becomes synonymous with sustainability. He passionately outlined how Lagos could harness its rich cultural heritage and vibrant textile industry to create a circular economy that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Industry leaders shared inspiring innovations—ranging from textile waste turned into biodegradable paper by Suss Fabrics to artisan collaborations empowering local communities. These initiatives demonstrate how Nigerian entrepreneurs are already pioneering sustainable solutions, although they require structured support and access to finance to scale effectively.

The workshop brought together local designers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders, sparking lively discussions on innovative practices that could position Lagos as a leader in sustainable fashion. Participants explored cutting-edge materials, eco-friendly production techniques, and business models focused on longevity and waste reduction.

Participants left the workshop with a compelling message: circularity is not just a concept but a feasible reality. Demonstrations showcased how textiles can be transformed into paper, reusable products, and eco-friendly packaging, proving that recycling fashion is both possible and profitable. Innovate UK’s support extends beyond policy advocacy to providing tangible solutions—funding, technology transfer, and strategic alliances—to help Nigerian startups scale their innovations.

As Nigeria embarks on this new trajectory, the workshop signifies more than an event—it marks the dawn of a resilient, innovative, and sustainable fashion ecosystem. With concerted efforts from government, industry, and development partners, Nigeria can transform its fashion sector into a global leader in circularity, creating jobs, preserving the environment, and boosting economic growth.

This is the moment Nigeria’s fashion industry steps into a sustainable future—bold, united, and ready to redefine the continent’s style narrative.