EU Partners With Nigeria To Promote Circularity In Fashion
The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, is advancing efforts to promote circularity in the fashion and textile sector, aligning with the United Nations’ International Zero Waste Agenda.
Speaking at the International Zero Waste Day event held in Abuja on April 4, 2025, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized the urgent need to address textile waste, which globally amounts to 92 million tons annually, posing significant environmental and social threats—especially to vulnerable communities.
This year’s theme, “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textile,” highlights the detrimental impact of overproduction and overconsumption in the industry. Ambassador Mignot pointed out that the widespread use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibres contributes heavily to microplastic pollution, while discarded clothing often ends up in open dumps or is burned, further harming ecosystems and human health.
“The EU continues to work closely with Nigerian partners to tackle the challenges of waste generated by the linear economy,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted the role of the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group, co-chaired by the EU, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The group includes key stakeholders focused on driving circular economy principles for inclusive green growth.
Key initiatives from the group include the, National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), Plastic Waste Control Regulation (2023) by NESREA, and National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024).
The EU’s latest project with UNIDO addresses waste from the renewable energy sector, including discarded solar panels and batteries.
Amb. Mignot underscored the vast opportunities a circular economy offers across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, and arts, noting,
“The goal is to ensure that products never become waste, but are maintained, reused, refurbished, or recycled. The potential benefits for climate, biodiversity, air and water quality and for the economy are immense. The waste-to-wealth transition is not only possible; it is already underway.”
International Zero Waste Day, established by the UN General Assembly in 2022, is observed globally every March 30 to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns and foster circular economies.
