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Key players in Nigeria’s fashion and beauty industry recently gathered at the prestigious Eko Hotel Grand Ballroom in Lagos for the Miss Nigeria Beauty and Fashion Fair, a two-day event aimed at redefining the sector as a major contributor to economic development.
The fair brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and corporate stakeholders in a setting that went beyond the usual glamour associated with fashion events. Instead of focusing solely on exhibitions and runway displays, the programme incorporated business discussions, policy dialogues, and enterprise-driven sessions designed to strengthen the industry’s structure and long-term sustainability.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, praised the steady growth and improving standards within the sector. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting fashion and beauty as vital components of tourism and economic expansion.
She also encouraged women in the industry to think beyond traditional roles and explore broader opportunities across the value chain, including production, branding, and global distribution.
One of the major highlights of the event was a keynote address delivered by Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of building systems that enable businesses to grow and thrive.
“Most people don’t fail because they lack talent, but because systems were not designed to help them thrive. Women building businesses today are creating value. What they need is partnership and access to markets, finance, and visibility,” she said.
Her remarks aligned with the central message of the fair, which stressed that the future of the fashion and beauty industry lies in combining creativity with strong infrastructure, access to funding, and strategic collaboration.
Miss Nigeria Patron, Aisha Achimogu, described the initiative as one rooted in legacy and purposeful development. Meanwhile, the 45th Miss Nigeria Queen, Doris Ogah, used the platform to inspire young women to embrace confidence and ambition.
“Do not shrink yourself. Show up for what you believe in, even when it feels uncomfortable,” she said, while also announcing the commencement of preparations for the next edition of the national pageant.
The event also showcased emerging talents on the runway, where young designers presented bold and creative collections. The showcase culminated in the announcement of the Young Designer of the Year, a recognition tied to the legacy of the Daily Times fashion competition and a reflection of the growing pipeline of talent in the industry.
On the second day, the focus shifted toward business growth and scalability. Opening the session, Lynda Saint-Nwafor described the platform as a catalyst for economic transformation.
“This is where beauty becomes business and ideas become legacies. When women succeed, they create opportunities for others and transform industries,” she said.
Panel discussions featuring notable industry figures such as Laura Ikeji Kanu, Lanre Da Silva, Njideka Jack, Chioma Okigbo, and Uche Onwuka explored key challenges facing entrepreneurs. Conversations centred on funding, business structure, and strategies for scaling operations in a competitive market.
Njideka Jack highlighted the need for discipline and proper systems, stressing that passion alone cannot sustain a business.
“Passion is not enough. Structure is what sustains a business. If you don’t track your numbers, you can’t scale,” she said.
On financing, Uche Onwuka pointed out that credibility plays a crucial role in attracting investment. She revealed ongoing funding efforts, including a ₦1 billion matching fund in collaboration with MTN Nigeria aimed at supporting women-led businesses.
By the end of the event, participants agreed that the fair successfully moved beyond celebration to create meaningful conversations around growth, sustainability, and innovation. Stakeholders concluded that with the right systems, partnerships, and investments, Nigeria’s fashion and beauty industry has the potential to become a powerful and structured economic force both locally and globally.
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