By Ekunkonye Junior
Abuja
The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind Nigeria Fashion Week 2026, with the Minister for Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, pledging full support for the event scheduled for 2–4 October in Abuja.
The minister made the commitment after meeting with the organisers, Legendary Gold Limited, and their official strategic partner, Qualitrend Group, which is focused on government relations, tourism and investment linkages.
Musawa said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, especially fashion, are critical to economic growth. According to her, the sector can create business opportunities, generate jobs, boost earnings, increase exports and make Nigeria more competitive globally, with special focus on women and young people.
Lead organiser, Lexy Mojo-Eyes, described fashion as both a cultural identity and a major economic driver. He noted that a thriving fashion ecosystem can support tourism, attract investment, grow manufacturing, and empower small businesses in textiles, garment making, hair and beauty.
The organisers stressed that Nigeria Fashion Week has evolved beyond runway entertainment. The event is designed to connect creativity with commerce, promote “Made-in-Nigeria” brands, encourage intra-African and international trade, and give new and established designers access to wider markets.
This year’s theme is _“Beyond the Runway: Fashion and Culture at the Heart of the Green & Blue Economy (Going Green 5).”_ The focus will be on environmentally responsible fashion and its role in climate action and sustainable development.
Major highlights include six runway showcases featuring Nigerian and international designers. The collections will blend African creativity with global trends, innovation, craftsmanship and sustainable materials.
There will also be a large exhibition featuring textiles, garments, accessories, footwear, leather goods, beauty products and manufacturing tools. The platform is expected to link designers with buyers, distributors, retailers, investors and consumers.
Other key segments are the Nigeria Fashion Awards, to honour excellence in the fashion and creative industries, and the _Going Green Collection_, which will feature designs made from recycled, upcycled and eco-friendly materials. As part of the environmental drive, organisers will launch the _Trees for Nigeria Campaign_, with government officials, celebrities, students and international delegates planting trees.
A major highlight is a collaboration between Bizness Group and Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 aimed at preparing selected Nigerian brands for international retail. The partnership is expected to help designers meet global standards, improve supply processes, and potentially access Walmart’s extensive global marketplace, giving Nigerian fashion a pathway to world shelves.
