By Lubem Gena, Abuja
Abuja is set to become the centre of Nigeria’s fashion and creative economy as the 2026 Nigeria Fashion Week opens in the Federal Capital Territory, bringing together more than 40 Nigerian and international designers for a four-day celebration of style, culture, enterprise and sustainability.
The event, organised by Legendary Gold Limited under the leadership of Nigeria Fashion Week President and Chief Executive Officer, Lexy Mojo-Eyes, is being staged in Abuja for the first time, having traditionally been associated with Lagos. The 2026 edition runs from October 1 to 4 at Soul Lounge Resort, Jahi, with the official opening scheduled for October 2.
Beyond the glamour of the runway, the Fashion Week is designed to position fashion as a vehicle for entrepreneurship, job creation, investment, tourism and cultural diplomacy. Its theme, “Beyond the Runway: Fashion and Culture at the Heart of the Green & Blue Economy (Going Green 5),” places sustainability and the circular economy at the heart of the programme.
Participants include Nigerian and international designers, models, fashion entrepreneurs, manufacturers, buyers, investors, policymakers, diplomats, celebrities, creative-industry professionals and media organisations. Three runway shows are scheduled daily during the first two days, while exhibitions and business engagements will run alongside the catwalk presentations.
Major institutional and industry players supporting the event include the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. Partners also include Africa Magic, Transcorp Hilton, Qualitrend Group, Blue Seal Energy Group, Soul Lounge Resorts and Africa CEO Club.
The week will culminate in the Nigeria Fashion Awards and Gala Night on October 4, spotlighting individuals and organisations contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s fashion industry.
For tickets, log on to www.nigeriafashionweek.ng
