Challenges and Prospects of Contemporary Nigerian Textile Design

Nigerian textile in all its ramifications is one of the oldest art practices in Nigeria. While it is worthwhile to note that textile design repertoire has been a major part of the nation’s identity, textile designers who form a considerable part of the workforce are confronted with challenges. On one hand, the current trend in globalisation has exposed textile designers to new materials and techniques as well as the potential influences of other world cultures. This paper contends that in the quest to become globalised, the traditional African cultural heritage is being sacrificed on the altar of modernization. On the other hand, the introduction of new materials and techniques counts among the instruments or tools for positive impact. It is on this premise that one can say that contemporary Nigerian textile designers alongside their designs are reminiscent or reflect a society in the cusps of change in terms of challenges and prospects. Hence, this article offers some useful knowledge on this development as it establishes the extent to which Nigerian textile designers had suffered from several inadequacies that posed as challenges. It also highlights some reasonable prospects for growth or advancement in the industry in Nigeria.