Lagos Targets 3,000 Small Firms For City Trade Fair

Lagos State government has unveiled plans to hold the maiden edition of the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair, stating that approximately 3,000 participants are expected to attend the fair.

The state’s commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, who disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos, said the initiative is designed to deepen grassroots enterprise development and promote inclusive economic growth.

According to her, the fair underscores the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses and giving visibility to often-overlooked grassroots entrepreneurs.

She noted that the week-long fair is scheduled to be held from December 8 to 14, 2025, in the state, aiming to create an inclusive marketplace that fosters capacity building, business expansion and inter-LGA collaboration.

The commissioner said the fair will feature participation from five key LGAs: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa and Apapa, as well as their associated LCDAs, including Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island East and West, Yaba, Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate.

According to her, the “Round City” concept reflects efforts to unify diverse communities across Lagos by connecting the commercial energy of Lagos Island, the industrial character of Apapa, the vibrant pulse of Surulere, the bustling Lagos Mainland, and the fast-growing business corridors of Eti-Osa.

Bada Ambrose highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in Lagos’ economy, noting that the state contributes over 30 per cent to Nigeria’s total GDP.

She added that in 2024, the service sector, driven significantly by trade, accounted for over 90 per cent of Lagos’ real GDP, with trade making up more than half of that in the second quarter.

“These facts speak clearly: when MSMEs thrive, Lagos thrives. And when Lagos thrives, Nigeria advances,” she said.

The Commissioner described the upcoming fair as a celebration of enterprise, resilience, creativity, and community, adding that the event will provide informal and micro-enterprises with access to markets, knowledge, and partnerships, ultimately helping to lift thousands out of poverty.

“We have created strong pathways between MSMEs and support agencies, potential investors and public-private partners. For artisans and informal sector operators, from roadside vendors to market traders we have ensured full inclusion and support,” she said, noting that a cross-LGA collaboration zone will enable entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and strengthen value chains.

She revealed that the fair will also lay the groundwork for developing a comprehensive database of MSMEs and informal-sector actors across the participating LGAs to help the government deliver targeted support.

Fair Coordinator Mr Fuad Oki commended the Ministry for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a boost to Lagos’ grassroots economy. He said the fair will attract artisans, food vendors, fashion designers, home décor producers, technology service providers and other players in the informal sector.