The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has once again pledged the state government’s unwavering support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, made this commitment during the third day of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, held from April 11 to April 13, 2025. The event, which was a collaboration between the Lagos State Government and Naija Brand Chicks (NBC), focused on promoting and empowering small businesses, particularly those led by women and youth.
A Platform for MSMEs to Grow and Connect
Aregbe highlighted the fair’s success, noting that it attracted over 250 vendors and fostered stronger connections between sellers and customers. He emphasized the fair’s role in attracting investors to Lagos, creating job opportunities for residents, and expanding the state’s economy.
“We are excited to create another groundbreaking event that empowers SMEs and transforms lives,” Aregbe said, attributing the initiative’s success to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership.
He also acknowledged the fair’s role in driving Lagos’ GDP growth, emphasizing that it was not just about selling products but also about using entertainment to raise the visibility of participating brands.
Boosting Investment and Economic Growth
Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, spoke about the dual impact of the trade fair—combining commerce and entertainment to elevate the visibility of small businesses. Bajulaiye stated that the fair was a platform to showcase small business owners to the world, ultimately boosting sales and contributing to the economic growth of Lagos and Nigeria.
“We have vendors from across Nigeria attending this trade fair, and many have reported making the sales they would typically make in a month within just one day,” Bajulaiye shared, underscoring the exhibition’s success and its potential for growth in future editions.
A Thriving Trade Fair with Massive Impact
Nelly Agbogu, CEO of Naija Brand Chicks (NBC), expressed her excitement about the success of the fair, noting that over 30,000 shoppers attended on the first day alone. Agbogu praised the support of the Lagos State Government and its contribution to the event’s success, adding that no other state in Nigeria has been as supportive of MSMEs as Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
Driving MSME Growth in Lagos
With its strong focus on empowering local businesses, the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair has become a powerful tool for economic development, offering a platform for MSMEs to reach wider audiences, increase sales, and secure future growth. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation continues to drive Lagos as a hub for business expansion and economic prosperity
