Fabric care association chair predicts $3bn growth for Nigeria’s laundry sector

The Chairman of the Fabric Professionals and Dry Cleaners Association, Enibikun Adebayo, has projected that Nigeria’s cleaning and hygiene industry will exceed $3bn in the next decade.

Adebayo made this prediction during a masterclass for dry cleaners organised by the CleanAce Foundation and Academy in partnership with LG on Wednesday.

According to him, the industry is currently valued at around N1.8bn, and he urged Nigeria’s economic managers to provide adequate funding to support its growth.

He stated, “The laundry industry is valued at approximately N1.8bn in 2024 and is expected to expand to about N3bn over the next 10 years.

“The industry is developing, and we have recently established the Fabricare Professionals and Dry Cleaners Association, which has also launched the first and largest laundry exhibition in Nigeria, and possibly Africa.

“This initiative is driving a shift in people’s perception of the industry, with many now considering a career in fabric care.

“We are promoting a professional approach to the industry, aiming to attract genuine interest, as the way the industry is marketed is influencing the younger generation.”

Adebayo highlighted that the laundry industry is one of the largest employers in the country.

“We are calling on the government to support potential and aspiring dry cleaners with funding from the Bank of Industry. The government could channel those funds into the laundry industry to help entrepreneurs with capital and equipment.

“We are seeking government backing to demonstrate that this industry can generate significant employment. This is why we are partnering with LG to advance the conversation, attract more investment, and involve more people in this lucrative sector.

“We need funding, and we are also encouraging universities to collaborate with us to offer vocational courses in laundry and dry cleaning, so more people can become self-employed.”

He further emphasised, “We need the government to create an environment that will encourage younger people to explore opportunities in this industry.”

Also speaking, the officer in charge of the commercial laundry business at LG Electronics West Africa, Samuel Odenusi, explained that LG’s partnership with CleanAce Academy aims to equip participants in the masterclass with the skills and tools needed to run a successful business.

He stated, “This is where LG plays a role. The value of the industry is enormous, and it grows every year due to the increasing demand for laundry services.

“As urban populations expand, the value of the industry continues to rise,” he added.

Odenusi urged the government to provide a better enabling environment, noting that reducing the cost of running a business would also reduce costs for consumers.

“We also need the necessary infrastructure to support SMEs in Nigeria, which will create significant wealth and job opportunities.”