Protectionist policies have failed to stem the tide of second-hand clothes imports in Nigeria despite its declaration as contraband. Nigeria’s attachment and preference for foreign goods, among other factors, continue to further dumping from different nations.
This study assesses why dumping is still thriving despite government protectionist policies. It explores the policy-practice gap and uncovers critical factors undermining Nigeria’s textile industry, where dumping poses a significant threat. Using thematic analysis and
expert interviews, we identified essential obstacles to policy success: bureaucratic inadequacies, corruption, the intricacies of global value chains, and smuggling. The study was situated within the ambits of the theory of Dependency and national comparative
advantage. The study reveals that protectionist policies thrive with strong institutions, infrastructures, and supporting industries in a nation. It highlights the need for pragmatic policy reforms. By implication, policymakers in Nigeria must consider a multifaceted
approach to the menace of second–hand textile dumping. The study recommends that a holistic strategy combining capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and regional cooperation is vital to combat dumping rather than merely focusing on protectionism.