SME vendors hail LASG for successful Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Vendors and entrepreneurs have lauded the Lagos State Government for its immense support towards the successful hosting of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, which concluded on Sunday. The three-day event, held from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together small business owners, corporate brands, and thousands of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

Convener of the Naija Brand Chick (NBC), Mrs. Nelly Agbogu, praised the collaboration with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. She said the partnership significantly enhanced brand visibility for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and gave them a platform to reach a broader market.

Agbogu expressed excitement over the success of the 2025 edition, revealing that it had surpassed the revenue generated in the previous year, which stood at over N1.3 billion. She noted that entrepreneurs travelled from other states to participate, which further elevated the fair’s profile and economic impact.

“This year’s Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair has been an amazing experience. Business owners are happy, and I’m thrilled by the outcome,” Agbogu said. “I’ve been to many states in the country, but the level of support we got from Lagos is unmatched. I sincerely appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, for backing this initiative.”

She also hinted that the next edition of the fair would take place on the Lagos Mainland, expressing optimism for even greater participation and support from the government and private sector stakeholders. “We’re hopeful of an even more successful event next year,” she added.

Speaking on the outcome of the fair, Mr. Idris Aregbe expressed satisfaction with the turnout, revealing that over 100,000 participants attended over the three days. He emphasized that vendors recorded massive sales and increased engagement thanks to the dynamic structure of the event.

Aregbe credited the success of the trade fair to the synergy between commerce and entertainment, a strategy backed by Governor Sanwo-Olu. He noted that the entertainment infused into the event played a major role in attracting more customers and creating a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

“This is what Lagos represents—empowering SMEs, promoting local brands, and creating global opportunities for entrepreneurs,” Aregbe said. “The Lagos State Government remains committed to supporting platforms that promote innovation and economic inclusion. This fair has put SMEs on the global map.”