Lagos Unveils City Trade Fair, Targets 3,000 MSMEs

Segun James

Lagos State Government has said it is targeting over 3,000 participants in the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair.

The government stressed that the initiative was designed to deepen grassroots enterprise development and promote inclusive economic growth.

The week-long fair is scheduled to be held from December 8 and 14 at the National Stadium, Surulere.

Speaking at a press briefing at Alausa, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, said the fair underscored the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses and giving visibility to often-overlooked grassroots entrepreneurs.

Ambrose stated that the event aimed to create an inclusive marketplace that fostered capacity building, business expansion and inter-local government area collaboration.

The fair would feature participation from five key local government areas: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, as well as their associated Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), including Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island East and West, Yaba, Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate.

According to Ambrose, the “Round City” concept reflects efforts to unify diverse communities across Lagos by connecting the commercial energy of Lagos Island, the industrial character of Apapa, the vibrant pulse of Surulere, the bustling Lagos Mainland, and the fast-growing business corridors of Eti-Osa.

Ambrose highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in Lagos’ economy, stating that the state contributes over 30 per cent to Nigeria’s total GDP.

She added that in 2024, the service sector, driven significantly by trade, accounted for over 90 per cent of Lagos’ real GDP, with trade making up more than half of that in the second quarter.

“These facts speak clearly: when MSMEs thrive, Lagos thrives. And when Lagos thrives, Nigeria advances,” she said.

The commissioner described the upcoming fair as a celebration of enterprise, resilience, creativity, and community.

She added that the event would provide informal and micro-enterprises with access to markets, knowledge, and partnerships, ultimately helping lift thousands out of poverty.

She stated, “We have created strong pathways between MSMEs and support agencies, potential investors, and public-private partners.

“For artisans and informal sector operators, from roadside vendors to market traders, we have ensured full inclusion and support.”

Ambrose stated that a cross-LGA collaboration zone will enable entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and strengthen value chains.

She revealed that the fair would also lay the groundwork for developing a comprehensive database of MSMEs and informal-sector actors across the participating LGAs to help the government deliver targeted support.

Fair Coordinator, Mr. Fuad Oki, commended the ministry for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a boost to Lagos’ grassroots economy.

Oki said the initiative would attract artisans, food vendors, fashion designers, home décor producers, technology service providers and other players in the informal sector.

Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Mr. Yusuf Suleiman, speaking on behalf of participating LGAs and LCDAs, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support.