The Push for Sustainable Fashion in Nigeria: A Cultural Revolution

Have you ever asked yourself what happens to all those extra pieces of cut fabric, paper, thread, and accessories, often seen behind the scenes of a tailor’s shop or fashion designer’s production floor? Or have you considered the origins or destinations of the “second-hand - Okrika” market, where the massive sacks of ‘bend-down boutique,’ ‘Pre-Loved merchandise,’ and ‘vintage’ items are being bought and sold? Furthermore, have these items even passed global quality checks, or have the economy and convenience simply made Nigeria a dumping ground? These scenarios beg the critical question: Where does all this waste go? While specific figures for Nigeria are hard to pinpoint, it is estimated that the African continent generates millions of tonnes of textile waste annually.