The 2026 Fashion Career Fair in Lagos is set to connect more than 500 fashion workers with over 100 businesses on October 22–23, according to organisers Obsidian Advisory Africa. The fifth edition of the fair combines a virtual summit with physical recruitment activities, aiming to turn skills training into employment while helping employers find suitable candidates.
Fair Details and Organiser's Vision
Obsidian Advisory Africa, a workforce development firm, is organising the two-day event. The programme will feature recruitment, career development, and industry connections, addressing the challenge of matching trained talent with available roles. Damilola Ademilokun, founder and chief executive officer of Obsidian Advisory Africa, said the approach seeks to close the gap between acquiring skills and securing work. According to her, preparing candidates for roles businesses actually need should also give employers a better understanding of the talent available, making the fair a practical route into employment beyond exchanging contacts, as reported by BusinessDay.
Virtual Summit Opens Nationwide Access
Activities begin on October 22 with a virtual Talent Summit, allowing participants across Nigeria to join conversations about careers and opportunities in fashion. The programme will feature insights from employers, human resources leaders, and industry professionals on sought-after skills, recruitment difficulties, and career development. Participants can also attend practical workshops covering professional visibility and how fashion businesses operate. A closing briefing will explain what to expect at the physical fair and how to prepare for employer engagements.
Physical Event at J.K. Randle Centre
On October 23, activities move to Lagos for the Fashion Employer Town Hall and career fair at the J.K. Randle Centre in Onikan, Lagos, with speed interviews beginning at noon. Candidates will have ten-minute sessions with recruiting employers. Sprint Recruitment Programme graduates are allocated confirmed interview slots, while other participants can access available slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Career clinics will offer individual CV, LinkedIn, and portfolio reviews, alongside opportunities to meet employers and mentors.
Attendance, Fees, and Employment Prospects
Attendance is free for jobseekers, graduates, freelancers, and creatives. Completing the training programme is not compulsory for entry. The optional Sprint Recruitment Programme carries a ₦10,000 fee, while the hiring-partner package for businesses costs ₦50,000. Organisers advise candidates to attend with their CVs or portfolios. Although employers are expected to interview applicants and make offers, participation does not guarantee a job.
Broader Workforce Development Context
Obsidian Advisory Africa says it has worked with organisations including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Jobberman, Mastercard Foundation, GIZ, and Ethnocentrique on workforce programmes, as reported by The Sun. This year's fair extends that focus through direct engagement between candidates and businesses seeking staff. The event represents a concrete step in bridging the gap between fashion skills training and actual employment in Nigeria's labour market.
