Lagos, June 10, 2025 – In a fresh bid to position Nigeria as a global fashion powerhouse, the Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to promote Adire and other indigenous African fabrics on the world stage, reaffirming its commitment to preserving cultural heritage while expanding economic opportunities in the creative sector.
Speaking during the unveiling of the 2025 Lagos Adire and African Textile Expo, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the state is deliberately leveraging the uniqueness of Adire — a centuries-old Yoruba hand-dyed textile — to drive cultural tourism, youth employment, and international fashion collaborations.
“Our goal is to transform Lagos into Africa’s leading fashion and textile hub by spotlighting our traditional fabrics like Adire and elevating them into global fashion markets,” Benson-Awoyinka declared. “Adire is not just fabric; it’s a symbol of identity, creativity, and resilience that deserves a seat on the world runway.”
The commissioner added that the Lagos State Government, through partnerships with designers, artisans, and global stakeholders, is investing in capacity-building programmes for local fabric makers, especially women and youth, to improve production quality, branding, and export readiness.
The upcoming Expo, scheduled to hold later this year, will feature design showcases, exhibitions, masterclasses, international buyers’ meets, and policy dialogues aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the $1.5 trillion global fashion industry.
Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs. Sherifah Sulaimon, noted that the fashion initiative aligns with SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), offering sustainable pathways for wealth creation in Lagos communities.
Several fashion entrepreneurs and Adire producers expressed optimism over the growing attention and government support, calling it a lifeline for cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
Lagos’ push for Adire and African fashion comes at a time when global interest in ethical, culturally-rich, and handmade textiles is on the rise, with top international designers increasingly collaborating with African artisans.
The move also reinforces Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision of using creativity and culture as strategic economic drivers, while positioning Lagos as a premium destination for Afrocentric innovation.
