Nigeria’s federal government has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria Fashion Week 2026, scheduled to take place from Oct. 2 to 4 in Abuja, as officials and organisers seek to promote the fashion industry’s role in the country’s creative economy.

The event is organised by Legendary Gold Limited. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa recently met a delegation led by the company’s chief executive, Lexy Mojo-Eyes, alongside representatives of Qualitrend Group and members of the event’s organising committee.

During the meeting, Musawa said the federal government would continue to support the development of Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries and their contribution to entrepreneurship, employment, exports and international competitiveness. She also highlighted opportunities for women and young people in creative businesses.

The meeting also drew attention to fashion’s links with textiles, garment production, leather, retail, manufacturing and other parts of the creative economy.

Mojo-Eyes said fashion serves as an expression of Nigerian cultural identity while supporting businesses across several related sectors, including garments, textiles, leather and beauty. Organisers are seeking closer cooperation with government agencies and private-sector partners ahead of the October event.

According to organisers, the theme of the 2026 edition is “Beyond the Runway: Fashion and Culture at the Heart of the Green & Blue Economy (Going Green 5).” The programme is expected to combine runway presentations with exhibitions and activities focused on sustainable fashion, manufacturing and business development.

Six runway showcases are planned, alongside an exhibition covering textiles, garments, accessories, footwear, leather products, beauty products, manufacturing technology and related creative services.

Organisers said the programme is intended to strengthen links between designers and other industry participants, including buyers, retailers and manufacturers.

Environmental issues will also feature in the programme. Organisers said a planned showcase, the Going Green Collection, will present work using recycled, upcycled or other environmentally conscious materials. A tree-planting initiative is also proposed as part of the event.

Reliable figures on the Nigerian fashion industry’s contribution to employment, exports and investment were not immediately available. Government officials and organisers have nevertheless identified the sector as an area with potential for further commercial development.

Fashion in Nigeria also draws on the country’s diverse textile, tailoring and dress traditions. Some contemporary Nigerian designers combine locally rooted materials and visual references with modern design and international retail models.

The federal government has in recent years placed arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy within a single ministerial portfolio and has promoted the creative industries as part of efforts to diversify the economy.

Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 remains under preparation, and several participant and partnership details have yet to be confirmed. Organisers have said Nigerian and international designers, buyers, retailers, manufacturers, investors and creative entrepreneurs are expected to participate.