Nigeria and Austrian Lace

Frank Osodi

The beginnings of Austrian lace exports to Nigeria can be traced all the way back to the 1960′s. Trade has been documented even prior to these dates through intermediaries, but it was during this time that the first Austrian lace pioneers sought personal contact with textile traders along Kosoko Street on Lagos Island.Withstanding political and historical ups and downs throughout the decades (such as the oil boom in the 70′s, the nationalization and various import bans on textiles in 1976 as well as 2005, the last one of which was lifted in 2010), the relationship has now grown to be much more than just trade. Nigerian traders soon started counter-visits to Austria, resulting in mutually trusting relationships, some of which have been continuing for over 40 years.