The revival of the Lagos International Trade Fair marks a major milestone in restoring Lagos’s status as a regional trade hub and a critical entry point for cross-border commerce throughout West Africa. Barrister Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), told Business Insider Africa that the fair’s return is a significant boost for Nigeria’s business ecosystem.
Ndanusa described the fair as a vital meeting ground for entrepreneurs and innovators. Affordable exhibition spaces, she said, make it possible for businesses of all sizes to connect, share ideas, and showcase products to a diverse audience. Beyond facilitating trade, the fair serves as a platform for small businesses to learn from industry leaders and accelerate their own development.
Reinforcing Lagos’s reputation as the region’s commercial nerve centre, Ndanusa emphasized the strategic location of the complex—situated along the West African corridor, close to borders, and easily accessible via major transport routes, including those connecting to ECOWAS countries. She noted ongoing improvements in customs and immigration procedures, which have reduced border bottlenecks and made cross-border trade smoother than ever.
Ndanusa stressed the importance of preserving the large, rehabilitated facility as a federal legacy project, pointing to its role in hosting Africa’s largest tire market and West Africa’s leading jewelry market. She underscored the need for continued investment and collaboration between federal and state governments to ensure the complex fulfills its potential for the benefit of Nigerians.
Security has been a top priority in the complex’s relaunch. With a permanent presence of security agencies, including the DSS, the site is considered exceptionally safe for traders and visitors alike. Ndanusa reassured participants that robust security measures protect both lives and property, contributing to a stable environment for commerce.
The reopening of the fair after a 14-year hiatus is more than an event—it signals a renewed commitment to positioning Lagos as West Africa’s marketplace, providing a secure, accessible, and thriving platform for entrepreneurship and continental business growth.
