By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
ABUJA — Organisers have confirmed that all arrangements are now finalised for the second edition of the Abuja Mega Exhibition, officially tagged Mabushi Mega Art Fair 2.0, set to take place from May 1–2, 2026, at Mabushi International Market Square in the capital.
In a strategic move to maximise attendance, the dates have been deliberately chosen to coincide with May Day, the Workers’ Day public holiday. With government offices and many private firms shut for the day, families are expected to enjoy more leisure time to visit the fair and explore its wide-ranging offerings.
Speaking exclusively to Stonix News, the fair’s Director and spokesperson, Mr. Tetso Gbundu, described the event as “the biggest sales opportunity of the year” for artists and craft makers across the region.
He explained that shifting the fair to the May Day weekend was a deliberate step for convenience. “Public holidays drive two to three times normal foot traffic,” Mr. Gbundu said. “Add perfect weather, zero rain, plus our TV and radio campaign that will bring thousands of Abuja buyers directly to the fair, and we have something special.”
According to the organisers, 30 artists have already secured their spots for the two-day event, which will feature a broad arts and crafts exhibition. Attendees can expect paintings, handmade furniture, decorative ornaments, textiles, sculptures, and other indigenous African works.
Mr. Gbundu stressed that Mabushi Mega Art Fair 2.0 would be “all-inclusive” and designed to attract the finest talent from across Nigeria’s northern region. The fair aims to build a direct bridge between creators and collectors, cutting out middlemen and boosting income for participating artists.
“We are expecting thousands of Abuja residents, including foreigners living in and visiting the city,” he said. A robust publicity drive across television and radio stations has been rolled out to draw art enthusiasts, interior decorators, hoteliers, and corporate buyers to the venue.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the event seeks to position Abuja as a growing hub for contemporary African art and traditional craftsmanship. By timing it with a national holiday, the fair hopes to tap into increased consumer spending and holiday footfall in the Federal Capital Territory.
Mr. Gbundu urged both residents and visitors not to miss the opportunity to upgrade their collections of African arts and crafts. He highlighted the fair’s mix of established names and emerging talents, promising competitive prices and unique, handcrafted pieces not readily available on regular retail shelves.
With preparations now concluded and vendor slots filling up quickly, Mabushi Mega Art Fair 2.0 is poised to transform the May Day weekend into a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and commerce in Nigeria’s capital.
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