40TH LAGOS INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR KICKS OFF
… ‘Fair Will Bridge Financing, Market Access Gaps For MSMEs’ - Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Government has charged Businesses and Investors to leverage the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair to deepen Local production, attract Investment, and position Lagos as a Gateway to Markets across West Africa and the Continent.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday, 6th November 2026, in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. (Mrs.) Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, at the opening ceremony of the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
In his address, the Governor noted that the 40th edition of the Trade Fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), marks an important chapter in the Commercial history of Lagos and Nigeria. He commended the LCCI for sustaining the platform through four decades of changing Economic circumstances.
While highlighting the evolution of the Fair, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the growing emphasis on Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements reflects recognition that Trade Fairs must do more than provide opportunities for buying and selling.
"This Fair must facilitate Investment, encourage Production, connect Businesses to larger markets, and create lasting Commercial relationships," the Governor said. "With over 1,000 Exhibitors from more than 20 countries, and a dedicated Africa Hall promoting opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), this Fair demonstrates the growing importance of Lagos as a meeting point for African and International Commerce ."
Addressing the State’s Economic vision, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that his Administration wants more businesses to manufacture, process products, and establish regional operations in Lagos, using the State as a Gateway to Markets across West Africa and beyond. He noted that the AfCFTA market of 1.4 billion people offers significant potential for businesses able to meet standards and produce at scale.
The Governor outlined ongoing Investments in infrastructure and reforms designed to improve the Business environment, including the operational Blue and Red Rail Lines, and ongoing investments in road and transportation networks. He also cited the Lagos State Electricity Law, which provides a framework for a more reliable and competitive electricity market, as well as investments in digital infrastructure.
These efforts, he noted, are yielding results, as Lagos emerged first in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Subnational Ease of Doing Business ranking, with a score of 85.6 per cent(85.6%). He, however, acknowledged that Businesses still contend with challenges relating to Energy, Financing, and Logistics, assuring that the State Government remains committed to addressing these constraints.
Expressing particular interest in the impact of the Fair on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Local Exhibitors, especially Young Entrepreneurs, to make the most of the opportunities available to bridge gaps in Finance, Technology, and Market access.
He also encouraged International Exhibitors and Investors to look beyond selling products in Lagos, urging them to consider possibilities for Local Manufacturing, Technology transfer, Supply-chain development, and long-term investment in Manufacturing, Agro-processing, Logistics, and Technology.
In his keynote address, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh, called for a shift in focus from merely consuming to producing.
The President stated that the Government is driving the Policy of adding value to local raw materials, noting that true growth comes when goods are made, value is added, and people are employed locally. He urged stakeholders to measure the success of the Fair not only by the number of visitors, but by the value of contracts signed.
President Tinubu also assured International Investors that Nigeria is open for business, adding that the Country will host the Intra-African Trade Fair for the first time next year, in partnership with Afreximbank.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Engineer Leye Kupoluyi, welcomed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and other dignitaries to the historic 40th edition of the fair. He noted the significance of the milestone, stating that the fair has grown to become a Premier Platform for Trade, Investment, and Industrial development in Nigeria and across the Continent.
Following his remarks, the Chairman of the Trade Promotion Board and Vice President of LCCI, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, also addressed the gathering, extending appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support in promoting business growth and development, while also acknowledging the support of Afreximbank, the ECOWAS Foundation, Zenith Bank, and other partners.
She applauded the development Institutions and regulatory Agencies whose Partnerships ensure the Fair remains an accessible and progressive platform, noting that the presence of International guests reaffirms Lagos and Nigeria as the Centre of Africa's Business Landscape.
More photos below.
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