Lagos hosts aesthetics summit, positions Nigeria as industry hub

L-R- Freda Edewor Francis and Arisekola Alao addressing the audience

L-R- Freda Edewor Francis and Arisekola Alao addressing the audience

By Damiete Braide

A milestone in Africa’s healthcare and beauty industry unfolded in Lagos as  Medizone hosted The Aesthetics Show Lagos 2026, Nigeria’s first advanced aesthetic technology symposium.

The event brought together over 70 clinicians, dermatologists, and medical professionals alongside global technology leaders for a day of scientific exchange, live demonstrations, and high-level industry discussions.

Stakeholders at the symposium described the gathering as a pivotal moment in positioning Nigeria as a key player in the rapidly expanding global aesthetics market. They stressed the need for innovation, stronger regulation, and clinical excellence to drive sustainable growth across Africa.

There was a session of hands-on demonstrations, where attendees witnessed real-time procedures using advanced devices. Five technologies were showcased, with four demonstrated live, delivering immediate visible results. The session concluded with raffle draws, where selected participants won skin treatment packages valued at up to $3,600.

Chief Executive Officer, Medizone, Dr. Hamza Arisekola-Alao, emphasized the importance of ethical standards and patient-centered care in the fast-growing sector. “Care must always come before commerce. That is not just a philosophy; it is a standard,” he said, warning that rapid expansion without proper governance could pose significant risks. He called for structured training, strong ethical frameworks, and continuous professional development to ensure sustainable industry growth.

Dr. Alao noted that Africa has a unique opportunity to build its aesthetics industry without legacy constraints, adding that the continent can establish globally competitive standards by prioritizing patient safety, medical excellence, and integrity.

Also speaking, Executive Director of Medizone and Founder of Oasis Medspa, Freda Edewor Francis, highlighted the transformation of aesthetic medicine in Nigeria from a niche sector into a fast growing and widely accepted industry.

According to her, the symposium represents a turning point by bridging the gap between global innovation and local practice, eliminating the need for Nigerian practitioners to travel abroad for exposure and training.

The event featured a distinguished faculty of international and local experts, including Dr. Pranav Pancholi, Dr. Brooke Taylor, Dr. Ravraj Sirha, Dr. Benjamin White, and Dr. Felix Avajah, President of the Association of Practitioners of Spa and Medical Aesthetics of Nigeria (APSMAN).

During his presentation, Dr. Benjamin White introduced UltraClear technology to the Nigerian market, describing it as a breakthrough in laser treatment.

Dr. Pranav Pancholi, a cosmetic dermatologist, raised concerns about the growing number of unqualified practitioners in the industry, stressing the importance of certification and proper training. “One of the biggest challenges is the presence of untrained individuals performing medical procedures,” he said, urging professionals to invest in education and advanced technologies.

In her address, Dr. Beatrice Nwalie, President of APSMAN, described aesthetic medicine as an integral part of modern healthcare rather than a luxury.

“Aesthetic medicine is no longer a side conversation. It is the future of healthcare, and in Nigeria, that future is already here,” she said, urging practitioners to embrace innovation and adhere to global best practices.

The symposium concluded with an evening cocktail reception attended by notable personalities, including Genevieve Nnaji, Daddy Freeze, and Eku Edewor, reflecting the growing mainstream acceptance of aesthetic medicine in Nigeria.

With the global aesthetics market valued at over $15 billion and Nigeria’s sector estimated at more than $33 million, industry projections indicate strong growth potential. Organizers say The Aesthetics Show Lagos is designed as a long-term platform to drive innovation, education, and collaboration.

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