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Abuja has become a new hub for Nigeria’s fashion industry after it successfully hosted Nigeria Fashion Week 2026, which brought together government officials, diplomats, investors, designers and creative entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for investment, job creation and international partnerships.
Held from October 1 to 4 under the theme, “Where Capital Meets Creativity,” the event was organised by Legendary Gold in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
The four-day event sought to reposition fashion beyond glamour and entertainment, highlighting its potential as a viable business sector capable of generating employment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The fashion week opened with a welcome cocktail hosted by the Africa CEO Club, providing a platform for policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps, financial institutions, industry leaders and fashion practitioners to network and discuss investment opportunities across the fashion value chain.
Speaking at the opening, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Legendary Gold, Lexy Mojo-Eyes, said the relocation of Nigeria Fashion Week from Lagos to Abuja was a strategic decision aimed at bringing the industry closer to policymakers and strengthening collaboration between government and private-sector players.
Mojo-Eyes, who has spent more than 35 years in the fashion industry and taken Nigerian designers to 38 countries, said the initiative was designed to transform fashion into a structured economic enterprise rather than an activity centred largely on exhibitions and entertainment.
He noted that the industry could create jobs, generate wealth, promote indigenous fabrics and designs, support emerging businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global creative economy.
He also announced that Nigeria Fashion Week would henceforth hold annually in Abuja from October 1, making it part of activities marking the country’s Independence celebrations and positioning the Federal Capital Territory as a destination on the international fashion calendar.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the Federal Government was developing a framework to unlock the economic potential of the creative industry.
She identified inadequate data, limited funding, infrastructure deficits and restricted market access as major challenges confronting practitioners. Musawa also disclosed plans to establish a one-stop facility where creative professionals could develop their talents, access technical support and build sustainable businesses.
The fashion week featured runway presentations by more than 20 Nigerian and international designers, with over 50 models from Nigeria, Libya and Ethiopia participating.
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Designers and brands that showcased their collections included Modella Couture, Diosa Virtuoso, Ruthies Clothings, Wosstika’s Designs, School Hunters, Steve Ray, Zhalima Grazion of Libya, Del Africa Fashion, Ara Ewan, Nike Art Gallery, Brandy’s Touch, Guitars Couture, Black Haute, Younass Collection, Brisk Design of Ethiopia, Eveegal, Neopele, Bouderine Apparel, Sally Intiego and Jazz Fingers.
Their collections highlighted contemporary styles, indigenous influences, cultural heritage, innovative fabrics and sophisticated tailoring. Exhibitions also featured clothing, footwear, bags and other fashion accessories, offering designers opportunities to display their products to potential customers and business partners.
Beyond the runway, the event created opportunities for businesses and professionals across the fashion ecosystem, including textile manufacturers, photographers, makeup artists, logistics providers, retailers, models and media practitioners.
It also provided opportunities for brand promotion, market access, investment discussions and international collaboration, underscoring fashion’s potential contribution to entrepreneurship, employment and foreign exchange earnings.
The event culminated in the Nigeria Fashion Awards at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where prominent personalities and industry practitioners were recognised for their contributions to fashion.
Musawa received the Most Stylish Minister of the Year 2026 award, while Dr Doris Nkiruka-Anite, CFA, was named Most Fashionable Female Minister in Nigeria 2026.
Khadija Sa’ad Kaita, creative director of Yarkaitab, received the Modest Fashion Designer of the Year award, while Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, was recognised as the Most Elegant and Fashionable Royal Queen in Nigeria.
Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, managing director of Lelook Nigeria Limited, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Nigerian Fashion Industry Award. Clement Mudiaga Enajemo, creative director of Mudi Africa, was named Nigerian Best Menswear Designer of the Year 2026.
Speaking at the awards, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, congratulated Legendary Gold on the successful event and pledged to facilitate stronger participation by Indian companies and designers in future editions.
He said collaboration between Nigerian and Indian fashion practitioners could deepen cultural relations and create opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer and access to international markets.
The 2026 edition reinforced the need for strategic investment, supportive policies, improved infrastructure, accessible financing and skills development to unlock the fashion industry’s potential.
With Abuja set to host the annual event from October 1, organisers are positioning the capital as a meeting point for creativity, government, investment and international partnerships, with the broader ambition of making fashion a stronger driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy.
