The Lagos State Government has once again reiterated its unwavering support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and pledged to sustain a business-friendly environment that allows entrepreneurs to thrive.
This commitment was reaffirmed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, at the opening of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
The three-day event, which runs from April 11 to 13, is organised in partnership between the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Naija Brand Chick (NBC).
The fair aims to empower women, youths, and small-scale businesses by boosting visibility and encouraging networking among vendors and customers.
Over 200 vendors and more than 77,000 visitors participated on the first day, according to Mr Aregbe.
“Lagos provides the perfect landscape for business growth, and this fair is proof that dreams can be actualised with the right support,” he said.
“We are excited to create another groundbreaking event that empowers SMEs and transforms lives, thanks to the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu.”
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He added that the initiative combines commerce and entertainment to enhance market visibility, while also promoting Lagos as a hub for investment and economic development.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, highlighted the fair’s innovation, including the use of a special currency – the Sanwo-Naira – for transactions.
He projected that the fair would generate up to ₦5 billion in revenue over the three days.
“We are showcasing our small business owners to the world to boost their sales and improve the overall economy of Lagos and Nigeria,” Bajulaiye said.
“Some vendors have made in one day what they typically earn in a month, which speaks volumes about the success of the fair.”
Founder and CEO of Naija Brand Chick, Nelly Agbogu, expressed excitement about the success of this year’s edition, which featured several new innovations.
She commended the Lagos State Government for its continued support, stating, “Thanks to the partnership with the government, we’ve empowered more entrepreneurs and seen remarkable testimonies from vendors who have significantly increased their sales.”
Vendors at the trade fair lauded the event for providing them with broader exposure and business opportunities. A Realtor, Mrs Anthonia Boluwaji-Abayomi, praised the government’s initiative, noting it helped bring entrepreneurs together under one roof for increased sales and networking.
She encouraged Lagosians to visit the fair and take advantage of discounted prices.
Beyond trade, the fair also featured vibrant entertainment. Attendees were treated to performances by top entertainers, including legendary Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate (King Wasiu Ayinde), comedians, and cultural displays by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.
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The event attracted high-profile guests including members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Nollywood actors, brand ambassadors, and shoppers.
The Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair continues through Sunday, April 13, as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader agenda to build ‘A Greater Lagos Rising.’
