'Abeg leave us' - Nigerians react as govt set to ban ‘okrika’ clothes

The Nigerian Custom Service has announced plan to ban the sale of used clothes 'Okrika' in the country.

Okrika is a term used to described used items such as clothes, shoes, belts, bags among others.

Addressing the press, a custom official said that ‘Okrika’ clothes is injurious to the health of the nation.

“Okrika clothes 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?”

Nigerians have been known to patronise okrika because of the affordability. Those who cannot purchase the original items are forced to settle for the cheap products which are replicates of the original items.

Okrika which has been in the system for decades is said to be banned by the authorities. As a result, Nigerians have taken to social media to share their dissatisfaction.

Below are some comment;

whitemoney: Abeg leave for us like that, nah there boxers cheap pass biko

tonia.gram: Let the poor breaffff. Don’t suffocate us

kojhairways: Na wetin we wear reach this level be that ooo and nothing do us with God on our side

babajideedges1: 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!

vibrantstartups: Even the Whites wears thrift clothings! They have different stores where these are sold which mostly are charity stores so everyone can afford good clothes. Secondhand doesn't mean BAD sir. Even most luxury brands are thrifted in stores for heavens sake. Let's fix the main issue here! The main issue is for the government to ensure that people have good wages so they can live above poverty line

I wonder how many high street or designer clothes 30k can buy if not okirika.

thelindalyn: Let the poor Brevvv
Nigeria is indeed blessed, but how many made in Nigeria product has the government supported? Clothes are made in Aba, how has the government supported those people to make their jobs easier and to make quality clothes that people can afford. Innoson makes cars, how has the government supported his ministry? Y’all like to lie to yourselves.

litosman001: Which kind talk be this? Okrika we don d wear since 1880 nothinh don do us.. if Una ban em I go naked enter Aso rock. Make una ban used cars too.