Where Nigeria’s Fashion Industry Gets Its Fabrics—and Why Imports Still Dominate

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Nigeria’s fashion industry is growing, contributing an estimated ₦1.224 trillion to GDP in 2024. Designers, tailors and local brands are gaining global attention, yet the industry still depends heavily on imported textiles. Textile imports rose from ₦182.53 billion in 2020 to about ₦1.06 trillion by 2025. Lagos markets such as Balogun, Tejuosho and Oshodi are major sources of imported Ankara, lace, George, chiffon, satin and brocade. Kano’s Kantin Kwari Market also serves as a major northern trading hub for imported fabrics, including shadda, Atampa and lace. Many of these materials come through China, India, Pakistan and neighbouring West African countries. For locally made textiles, shoppers can source Adire in Abeokuta, handwoven Aso Oke in Iseyin and Akwete fabric in Abia State. These crafts preserve Nigerian skills and culture, but they face pressure from cheap imports, imitations, high production costs and a weakened local textile-manufacturing base. The key question is whether Nigeria can build a textile system that supports its artisans, designers and consumers.

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