Sanwo-Olu seeks more investments in manufacturing, agro-processing at Lagos Trade Fair
The Lagos State Government has urged businesses and investors to use the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair to expand local production, attract investment and explore opportunities in markets across West Africa and the continent.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday through the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, at the opening ceremony of the fair at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described the fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), as an important milestone in the commercial history of Lagos and Nigeria, noting that it had remained a major platform for businesses over the past four decades.
This year’s edition features more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 20 countries, with a dedicated Africa Hall showcasing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This fair must facilitate Investment, encourage production, connect Businesses to larger markets, and create lasting commercial relationships,” the governor said.
He highlighted investments in rail, road, electricity and digital infrastructure, adding that Lagos ranked first in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s subnational Ease of Doing Business ranking, with a score of 85.6 per cent.
Despite the progress, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that businesses still faced challenges with electricity, financing and logistics. He urged small businesses and young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the fair to find solutions to funding, technology and market access challenges, while encouraging foreign investors to consider local manufacturing and long-term investments.
In his keynote address, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, urged Nigerians to focus more on producing goods locally rather than relying heavily on imports. He said the fair’s success should be judged by the value of contracts signed and disclosed that Nigeria would host the Intra-African Trade Fair for the first time in 2027 in partnership with Afreximbank.
Earlier, LCCI President, Leye Kupoluyi, described the fair as an important platform for trade, investment and industrial development, while the Chairman of the Trade Promotion Board, Layo Bakare-Okeowo, appreciated the Lagos State Government, Afreximbank, ECOWAS Foundation, Zenith Bank and other partners for supporting the event.
