Lagos Govt Urges Textile Industry to Adopt Circular Fashion Practices

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Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has called on stakeholders in the textile and fashion industry to adopt circular fashion practices as part of efforts to address growing textile waste and promote environmental sustainability across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, made the appeal during the 2025 World Cleanup Day celebration at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja. He noted that the initiative aligns with the global theme: “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion.”

Fashion Waste: A Global and Local Challenge

Rotimi-Akodu stressed that the fashion industry remains one of the world’s largest polluters, generating 92 million tons of waste annually. In Nigeria, he said, the “take, make, dispose” model is driving an alarming increase in textile waste, adding to environmental degradation.

“Clean-ups alone will not solve the waste crisis. Everyone must spark change by promoting sustainable behaviour, raising awareness on waste management, and addressing the critical issue of textile and fashion waste,” he said.

He identified major challenges in Nigeria’s textile sector as:

Limited awareness about textile recycling
Inadequate recycling facilities and collection points
High cost and complexity of sorting
Lack of access to advanced recycling technologies
Weak market demand for recycled products

Solutions for Circular Fashion

According to the Special Adviser, solutions lie in:

Effective recycling programmes to collect and process textile waste
Upcycling—transforming discarded materials into new products
Loop textile production, ensuring closed-cycle use of materials
Circular economy models that reduce waste and extend product life

He urged brands to embrace circular business models and invest in sustainable materials, adding that collaboration between government, businesses, and consumers will be crucial.

Government Commitment

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable practices, saying Lagos is working to secure a clean, healthy environment conducive to economic growth and tourism.

Guest Speaker Mrs. Sidiqat Folami added that beyond waste, the textile sector is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. She recommended stronger advocacy, sensitisation campaigns, and community-driven behavioural change initiatives to promote circular fashion in Nigeria.

With Lagos joining 180 countries in marking World Cleanup Day 2025, officials emphasized that addressing textile waste is not just an environmental necessity but also a business opportunity for a greener, more resilient fashion industry.