Nigeria Fashion Week Ditches Lagos for Abuja — and It's Now All About the Money

Lagos has lost its grip on Nigeria Fashion Week. The 2026 edition moved to Abuja, and it is staying there for good.

Held from October 1 to 4 under the theme “Where Capital Meets Creativity,” the event was organised by Legendary Gold with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. It gathered government officials, diplomats, investors, designers, models and banks to talk fashion as business — not just runway glamour.

Why the move?

Legendary Gold boss Lexy Mojo-Eyes, who has spent over 35 years in fashion and taken Nigerian designers to 38 countries, said relocating from Lagos was strategic. The goal: turn fashion from an exhibition industry into a structured economic enterprise by placing it closer to policymakers and investors.

He also announced that the fashion week will now hold annually in Abuja from October 1, tying it to Nigeria's Independence celebrations.

Government steps in

Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa said the government is building a framework to unlock the creative economy, naming poor data, limited funding, weak infrastructure and restricted market access as key problems. She also revealed plans for a one-stop facility where creatives can get professional support and build sustainable businesses.

What hit the runway

Over 20 Nigerian and international designers showed their collections, backed by more than 50 models from Nigeria, Libya and Ethiopia. Brands included Modella Couture, Nike Art Gallery, Zhalima Grazion of Libya, Brisk Design of Ethiopia, Black Haute and many others.

The four-day event opened with a welcome cocktail hosted by the Africa CEO Club, giving fashion players direct access to business leaders and financial institutions.

Full story: THISDAYLIVE

Source: THISDAYLIVE