A Nigerian woman from Bayelsa State, Mrs. Tare Robinson, is making headlines for an inspiring innovation transforming plantain stems into eco-friendly wigs and other creative products.
Through her company, Eco FIP Nigeria Limited, she is turning what many consider waste into sustainable wealth.
Mrs. Robinson, who hails from Ekeremor Town, currently leads a team of 22 workers dedicated to producing braided wigs, shoes, handbags, and pillows, all from plantain fiber.
This bold initiative is helping reduce agricultural waste while creating job opportunities in her community.
“We started this plantain fiber since 2021, immediately after COVID,” said Ebuche Moyo-Robinson, her daughter.
“Once we did research and got to find out that you can use plantain fiber to do all these things, I was amazed about it.”
Through a special extraction process, fibers are manually or mechanically removed from plantain stems, then softened with a locally produced organic formula.
Afterward, the fibers are carefully combed and woven into durable hair extensions.
“This is a hair extension that I’m wearing. I’ve used this for two years,” said Robinson proudly. “It’s a braided wig cap, made from this plantain.”
She added that their goal is to ensure their products are “100% organic,” and they are also developing a natural dye to match their vision.
Moreover, Robinson revealed that other countries like Uganda and Tanzania are already producing hair extensions from banana fiber and selling them at high prices. “In Uganda, they are selling 150 grams for $100. It’s big money,” she noted.
The environmental and economic benefits of this plantain fiber innovation are promising.
“Normally, farmers cut the fruit and abandon the stems to rot. But we have discovered a better use,” Robinson explained.
However, challenges remain. The major concern is the lack of modern machines, which slows down the production process.
“We got a machine locally, but it produced impurities. So, combing takes too much time,” Robinson shared.
To scale the business and increase production, she is seeking support.
“We need funds for salaries, machine purchase, and softener production,” she said. “We also need slicing, scratching, and combing machines, as well as hair cleaning and sewing machines.”
Eco FIP Nigeria is located at No. 86 Eyugwa, Bayelsa State, and those interested in partnering can contact them via 080-37-8765-60.
With plantain widely available in Nigeria, Robinson believes this untapped resource can reduce dependency on oil and spark new industries.
“It is like a gold mine. We don’t need to go outside to buy the materials because they are here,” she said.
The creative use of plantain fiber wigs not only promotes sustainability but also proves that waste can indeed become wealth when innovation meets purpose.
As long as it is health-friendly, it is highly welcomed by me