Nigerian designers split as Sallah demand exposes technology gap...

As preparations for the Sallah festivities gather pace across Nigeria, a clear divide is emerging within the fashion industry between designers leveraging modern technology and those relying on traditional, manual methods.

Usman Ahmad and Bashir Ibrahim, fashion designers based in Plateau State using manual sewing machines, highlight how the manual method consumes more energy compared to the industrial machine, which uses electricity, making it faster and less stressful.

"An industrial machine is less stressful because it uses electricity. The moment you turn it on, you can operate it without necessarily using your own energy; that's what makes it easy. But the manual one we are using is a bit stressful," Ahmad added

While Ibrahim said "You can't compare the speed of the modern industrial one, because this one uses direct energy from the operator. Before starting work, you have to eat well."

In contrast, designers using manual sewing machines and artisan techniques say the festive rush presents a tougher challenge, even though their craftsmanship remains highly regarded.

Hamisu Muazu stated that the manual machine is for domestic purposes, while the industrial machine is used in industries and is faster.

Another fashion designer, Hamza Inuwa added that the speed is incomparable, from sewing 5 to 7 clothes to 15 and above.

For designers using industrial machines, speed and efficiency have become a defining advantage.

Elqasim Zakari and Sunusi Yusuf, both highlighted the high demand from clients as the festive season approaches. They added that the monogram machine is much faster and, if given the chance, they would adopt the new trends.

"A monogram machine is much faster than the machine we use because it is programmed based on the directives given by the operator, unlike ours, which uses direct skill, along with other numerous challenges," said Yusuf.

Ahmad Auwal, a specialised monogram designer, described the machine as digital, making it possible to produce one hundred to one hundred and fifty designs in a day.

Across the group, one challenge remains constant: unreliable electricity. Hamza Inuwa and El-qasim Zakari say some parts of the work cannot be achieved without electricity.

As Sallah approaches, Nigeria’s fashion sector is not only responding to festive demand but is also undergoing a quiet transformation where tradition and innovation are increasingly intersecting, and where many hope no artisan will be left behind.