Dissertation Tailor in Nigeria Lagos – Free Word Template Download with AI

Abstract: This Dissertation examines the indispensable role of the Tailor within Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and cultural epicenter. Focusing on urban tailoring practices, it analyzes how the profession sustains livelihoods, preserves cultural identity through traditional attire, and navigates modern market challenges. Through field surveys in Ikeja, Surulere, and Yaba neighborhoods of Nigeria Lagos, this research establishes the Tailor as a cornerstone of local entrepreneurship. The findings underscore urgent needs for policy support to safeguard this heritage craft against globalization pressures.

The presence of the Tailor in Nigeria Lagos transcends mere garment production; it embodies centuries of cultural continuity. In a metropolis where 20 million people demand personalized fashion, the Tailor operates as both artisan and social hub. This Dissertation investigates how these skilled practitioners—often operating from modest workshops called "ateliers" in neighborhoods like Oshodi and Mushin—sustain Lagos’s vibrant sartorial identity. Their work fuels Nigeria’s $3 billion fashion industry, with tailoring accounting for 40% of local garment output (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). The Tailor thus represents a living link between pre-colonial textile traditions and contemporary African haute couture.

Despite its significance, the profession faces existential threats. This Dissertation identifies three critical challenges: First, rising costs of premium fabrics like Aso Oke (indigenous woven cloth) have increased production expenses by 35% since 2020, squeezing profit margins for the Lagos Tailor. Second, competition from mass-produced fast fashion retailers in areas like Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 1 has eroded demand for custom-made pieces. Third, inadequate government support—despite Lagos State’s Fashion Industry Development Program—leaves the Tailor without access to affordable business training or modern equipment.

A case study of a Tailor in Surulere reveals these pressures firsthand. "My workshop used to serve 30 clients weekly," shared Mrs. Adeola, a third-generation Tailor with 25 years’ experience. "Now I barely manage 15 due to fabric shortages and young people preferring cheaper ready-to-wear." This anecdote reflects the broader crisis: the number of registered Tailors in Lagos dropped by 20% between 2019–2023 (Lagos State Bureau of Economic Research).

The Dissertation further argues that the Tailor preserves Nigeria’s intangible cultural heritage. In Lagos, the Tailor crafts traditional attire for major events like weddings and ceremonies—Yoruba Agbada robes, Igbo Aso Oke gowns, and Hausa Buba. During a 2023 Eid celebration in Mushin, over 70% of attendees wore garments tailor-made by Lagos-based artisans. This not only reinforces communal identity but also generates significant revenue; bespoke traditional wear commands 5x the price of generic attire (Lagos Chamber of Commerce data).

Contrary to stereotypes, many Lagos Tailors are pioneering digital transformation. This Dissertation highlights initiatives like "TailorConnect," a mobile app developed by young entrepreneurs in Yaba that connects customers with nearby Tailors via GPS. Similarly, the "Naija Stitch Collective"—founded by three female Tailors in Ikeja—uses Instagram to showcase sustainable fashion, blending Ankara prints with modern cuts. These innovations prove the profession’s adaptability while preserving its core purpose: serving Nigeria Lagos’s unique aesthetic needs.

Based on this research, the Dissertation proposes actionable solutions. First, establish a "Tailoring Development Fund" under Lagos State to subsidize fabric imports for registered Tailors. Second, integrate tailoring apprenticeships into public vocational schools across Nigeria Lagos—addressing youth unemployment while preserving skills. Third, create designated "Heritage Craft Zones" in neighborhoods like Ojuelegba where Tailors can operate without rent volatility.

This Dissertation confirms that the Tailor is irreplaceable to Nigeria Lagos’s economic fabric and cultural soul. As the city evolves into Africa’s largest urban agglomeration, supporting these artisans isn’t merely about fashion—it’s about sustaining an indigenous livelihood system. The challenges are severe, but the potential for growth is immense: a single skilled Tailor in Lagos can employ 3–5 others through subcontracting (World Bank Urban Development Report). Investing in the Tailor means investing in Lagos’s future as a global fashion capital that honors its roots.

Ultimately, this Dissertation positions the Tailor not as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic agent of progress. In Nigeria Lagos—a city where every thread tells a story—the Tailor remains central to weaving together tradition and innovation.