By Busayo Onijala
The Austrian Embassy in Nigeria has spotlighted Nigeria as a key market for authentic Austrian lace, demonstrating the use of trade and cultural exchange to strengthen bilateral relations.
This was at the 2026 Austrian Lace Appreciation Event (ALAE) and award ceremony, held on Wednesday night in Lagos to celebrate Nigeria’s leading sellers of authentic Austrian lace.
The event, which is the second edition, was organised by the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy in Lagos, on behalf of the Association of Austrian Lace Manufacturers in Vorarlberg, Austria.
The exclusive event recognised over 60 Nigerian leading sellers of authentic Austrian lace and their longstanding partnerships with Austrian manufacturers, highlighting Nigeria’s importance as a key export market.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it also featured a specially curated fashion show, showcasing fabrics from five Austrian manufacturers including Riedmann, Oscar, HOH, Scheffknecht, and Amann.
Barbara Lehninger, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy in Lagos, lauded Nigeria’s creativity and evolving fashion industry.
According to her, it is beautiful to see how tradition matches with innovation, and how vibrant the market has become.
Lehninger described the trust and partnership of Nigerian lace sellers to Austrian companies as a shining example of how business relationships create both cultural and economic value.
She emphasised that Nigeria remained one of the most significant global destinations for authentic Austrian lace, driven by strong demand and deep cultural integration into fashion and ceremonial wear.
”As we celebrate, we also look forward to many more years of innovation, collaboration and shared success between our two countries,” she said.
In her remarks, Folashade Ambrose, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, lauded the Austrian mission for creating ALAE to celebrate excellence, creativity and enduring commercial collaboration.
According to her, ALAE is not only a tribute to outstanding top lace sellers who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Austrian lace in Nigeria, but also a testament to the strength of bilateral trade relationships between both countries.
”Lagos state occupies a strategic position as the gateway to West Africa, accounting for a significant percentage of Nigeria’s industrial activities, maritime trade and non-oil exports.
”With a population exceeding 25 million people and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, the state represents one of the most dynamic consumer and distribution markets on the continent,” she said.
She noted that the fashion industry in particular played a critical role in the creative economy.
The industry, she said supported thousands of small and medium enterprises, designers, retailers, event planners, and artisans whose livelihoods depended on the textile innovation and trade.
She commended Austrian lace for its durability, citing a personal experience of over 30 years.
”Austrian lace has over the years carved a distinctive niche within Nigeria’s fashion landscape. It is synonymous with quality, elegance, and craftsmanship,” she said.
Ambrose also said that the enduring demand for Austrian lace spoke to the strength of brand reputation built through consistency, excellence and trusted partnerships with local distributors and sellers.
”These entrepreneurs and business leaders serve as critical connectors between Austrian manufacturers and the Nigerian consumer.
”They take on the responsibility of importation, distribution, marketing, retail, adaptation to suit local taste and market dynamics. Their recognition today is highly commendable,” she also said.
She reiterated the state’s commitment to fostering international trade relationships that create jobs, enhance skills and stimulate inclusive prosperity.
In the same vein, Jermaine Sanwoolu-Olu, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, urged Nigerians to leverage opportunities available in the textile and fashion value chain.
He said the creative opportunities in the textile sector could generate wealth and expand local production capacity.
NAN reports that in Nigeria, lace remains a preferred fabric for societal events from weddings, to funerals, cultural ceremonies and much more. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
