“Why We Want To Ban Okrika Clothes” - Nigerian Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced it's plans to ban the sale of Okrika clothes in Nigeria.

A representative of the service stated during a recent interview that the reason for the proposed ban was that the sale of Okrika was injurious to the nation as a whole.

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In his words:

“Okrika is injurious to the health of the nation. That is why government deem it fit that it should be banned.

“One should be curious. Nobody knows how and who used these clothings. And most importantly smugglers desirous to turn Nigeria into a dumping ground. We should not accept it.

“We are a country well blessed with human and natural resources. Why will someone go and bring used products?”

Reacting to the statement,

Daniel Regha (@danielregha) wrote: "Okrika clothes shouldn't be banned. It's a lucrative business that has kept many Nigerians going; But most importantly, a lot of people (myself included) rely on okrika clothes, shoes, etc. The Nigeria Customs Service is making an unwise decision, the govt should think thru."

 tonia.gram also wrote: “Let the poor breaffff. Don’t suffocate us .”

Babajideedges opined: “I’m sure the same person who raised the fuss about my beloved ponmo is behind this. Don’t worry guys, they failed with ponmo, they will fail with this also.Insensitive bunch that are paying 30k minimum wage but are here forming National Classism. Asan Oniranu Abuse of priority!”

Brandy_ish then wrote: “These people are so disconnected from the true plights of the people. This is how the really poor are able to afford clothing. Like how are we so blessed with clueless people at the top? Until they deepen the gap between the rich and the poor, they can’t rest. God abeg save this country cos I don’t even understand anymore.”

The origin of Okrika clothes can be traced back to the 1950s and has been one of the many names used to describe second-hand clothes in Nigeria. Other names include 'bosi corner' (particularly in the southwestern part of the country), bend-down-select, Belgium, tokunbo and etc. The name 'Okrika' is actually derived from a town called Okrika which is contiguous with Porthacourt. According to the old tales, Okrika was the port where all second-hand clothes came to the country.