September 2025 is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most eventful months in recent history, with a series of high-profile gatherings cutting across diplomacy, business, technology, and culture. From global summits to major trade shows and even a Guinness World Record attempt, the month promises to place Nigeria firmly in the spotlight.
Here are 10 major events to watch:
- GITEX Nigeria — September 1–4 (Abuja & Lagos)
What’s happening: The first-ever bi-city tech summit with the Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja (Sept 1–2), followed by the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference and Startup Festival in Lagos (Sept 3–4)
Why it matters: A landmark event bridging policymaker, global tech players (IBM, MTN, Cisco), investors, and 1,000+ startups. This is a critical springboard for Nigeria’s digital transformation.
- Pool Fest Naija — September 2–7 (Lagos)
What’s happening: A six-day urban cultural festival featuring Nigeria’s largest 8-ball pool tournament, Guinness World Record attempts, and nonstop live entertainment.
Why it matters: It blends sport, music, and grassroots culture, crafting a platform for informal-sector vibrancy and cultural entrepreneurship.
- United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) – September 16–30
What’s happening: Nigeria’s delegation, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will head to New York for the 80th UNGA, where global leaders will deliberate on security, climate change, and economic recovery. Nigeria is also expected to push for reforms in the UN Security Council.
Why it matters: The UNGA offers Nigeria a rare global stage to amplify its foreign policy priorities, attract international investment, and strengthen diplomatic ties. With Nigeria eyeing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, this year’s session could be crucial in shaping its global influence.
- World Tourism Day — September 27 (Abuja)
What’s happening: A one-day celebration welcoming tourists and citizens to engage with Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Why it matters: An opportunity to spotlight Nigeria’s tourism potential and diplomatic hospitality.
- Eid Durbar Festival — September (Sokoto, Katsina, Kano)
What’s happening: A two-day traditional parade featuring the Emir, cultural music, and pageantry to mark major Islamic celebrations
Why it matters: A vivid expression of heritage and community identity in the northern region.
- BUILDMACEX Nigeria — (Early September, Lagos)
What’s happening: Nigeria’s leading construction and architecture fair, showcasing global building technologies
Why it matters: A major platform for trade and infrastructure investment in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
- Made-in-Nigeria Expo – September 6–8, Lagos
What’s happening: A showcase of homegrown products, innovations, and SMEs designed to promote local content and reduce dependence on imports.
Why it matters: The expo highlights Nigeria’s push for self-reliance, job creation, and SME growth. It also gives local entrepreneurs visibility, encouraging investment in indigenous industries and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign goods.
- Nigeria Oil & Gas Forum – September 20–21, Port Harcourt
What’s happening: The oil and gas industry’s biggest names will deliberate on the future of upstream and downstream operations amid energy transition and investment challenges.
Why it matters: Oil and gas remain Nigeria’s economic backbone. Decisions from this forum could influence energy security, foreign investment, and how the country positions itself in the global shift toward renewable energy.
- Hilda Baci’s World’s Largest Pot of Jollof – September 12, Lagos
What’s happening: Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci will attempt to set another milestone by cooking the world’s largest pot of Jollof rice. The cultural mega-event is expected to attract thousands of food lovers, tourists, and sponsors.
Why it matters: Beyond food, this event celebrates Nigeria’s rich culinary identity and strengthens its claim in the “Jollof Wars” of West Africa. It also boosts tourism, entertainment, and brand partnerships, showing how culture can drive both soft power and economic value.
- Nigeria Economic Summit (NESG Summit) – September 23–24, Abuja
What’s happening: The 30th edition of the NESG Summit will bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, and international partners to discuss reforms that foster sustainable economic growth.
Why it matters: As Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges, this summit provides a critical platform for shaping policies, building public-private partnerships, and driving reforms that can unlock investment, create jobs, and stabilise the economy.
