Empirical Analysis of the Economic Impact of the Nigerian Fashion Industry on the Lagos Creative Economy

The Nigerian fashion industry, particularly the Ankara-based contemporary fashion sector centred in Lagos, has emerged as one of the most commercially significant components of the city's creative economy, and empirical characterisation of its economic dimensions fills an important gap in creative industries research. This study empirically analysed the economic impact of the Nigerian fashion industry on the Lagos creative economy, drawing on primary survey data and secondary economic analysis. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 80 fashion designers, 30 fabric suppliers, 20 accessory producers, and 15 fashion event organisers in Lagos Island, Yaba, and Lekki markets and showroom districts. Secondary analysis drew on NBS national accounts data and Lagos State Internal Revenue Service commercial sector records from 2020 to 2023. Results showed that survey respondents generated a combined annual turnover of approximately 4.8 billion naira, with employment creation averaging 4.7 direct employees per establishment. The fashion supply chain exhibited strong local economy linkages, with 73.1 percent of fabric sourcing from domestic Ankara importers and local tie-dye producers. Lagos Fashion Week was identified as generating measurable industry-wide income spikes across all supply chain nodes. Export revenue generation was limited to 12.5 percent of respondents, indicating significant untapped international market potential. The study provides the first systematic primary data-based economic impact analysis of the Lagos fashion industry and recommends export promotion support, trade fair participation subsidies, and fashion cluster development initiatives as priority policy investments.

Keywords: fashion industry, creative economy, Lagos, economic impact, Nigerian fashion