LASG reaffirms support for MSMEs at Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state. The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, reaffirmed this commitment on Friday evening during the opening of the three-day Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

The trade fair, scheduled from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, is a partnership between the Lagos State Government—through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture—and Naija Brand Chick (NBC), aimed at promoting and empowering small-scale enterprises, women, and youths in business.

Speaking at the event, Aregbe noted that the trade fair attracted over 200 vendors and more than 77,000 attendees, which he believes will foster stronger connections between vendors and customers, as well as attract more investors to Lagos and create job opportunities for residents.

He said, “Lagos provides the perfect landscape for business growth, and this fair is proof that dreams can be actualised with the right support. We are excited to create another groundbreaking event that empowers SMEs and transforms lives. Thanks to the visionary Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his intentional commitment to the growth and development of small businesses. It is also not all about selling and buying, but also using entertainment to drive visibility, which you are all witnessing here today. Lagos has a large market and will continue to drive its GDP growth for the benefit of all residents.”

Speaking on the huge investment potential of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, said the event combines commerce and entertainment to boost visibility for participating brands. He also noted the innovation of the Sanwo-Naira as the medium of exchange at the fair, with ₦5 billion in revenue projected over the three-day period.

He said, “What we are doing is to showcase small business owners to the world, and this is to boost their sales and ultimately improve the economy of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. We have many vendors who came in from other states to participate in the fair, and they are so happy. Some of them reported earning in one day what they typically make in a month. That alone attests to the success of the exhibition, and it will keep getting bigger and stronger.”

During the trade fair, the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, comedians, and A-list musicians—including K1 De Ultimate, King Wasiu Ayinde—entertained vendors and customers.

Among those in attendance on Friday were members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Nollywood actors, brand ambassadors, and shoppers, among others. The Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair will conclude tomorrow, Sunday, April 13.