The recently concluded Lagos Mainland Trade Fair has positioned export readiness at the heart of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial growth, training over 100 vendors on how to take their businesses beyond local borders.
The two-day event, held on September 6 and 7, went beyond exhibitions. It served as a training ground where Senior Trade Officers Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) guided entrepreneurs through international trade procedures, compliance requirements, and the critical steps to successful exportation.
Curated by Monalisa Abimbola Aze, lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Mona Matthews, the fair was designed to empower local businesses with knowledge and confidence to compete globally.
“With proper training, vendors can approach exportation with confidence, scale their businesses, and access international markets,” Aze said, praising NEPC’s role in bridging the gap between Nigerian entrepreneurs and global trade opportunities.
The event also drew strong institutional backing. Officials of NAFDAC sensitized participants on the importance of product registration, while Olori Janet Afolabi, Queen of Apomu Kingdom and co-organizer, emphasized the role of non-oil exports in stabilizing Nigeria’s economy.
“By promoting exports outside oil, we not only boost foreign exchange earnings but also secure the economy against oil price shocks,” she noted.
The fair blended commerce with culture, featuring renowned gospel artist Tope Alabi, whose presence energized the audience. Entrepreneurs described the platform as both transformative and rewarding. Enobong Ezekiel, CEO of Coreal8, reflected:
“This experience allowed me to connect with customers and partners while showcasing our services in a supportive atmosphere. The impact is long-term.”
For Aze and Afolabi, the turnout and enthusiasm exceeded expectations, signaling a shift in how Nigerian entrepreneurs view global trade. More than a local showcase, the Lagos Mainland Trade Fair emerged as a launchpad for businesses aspiring to enter international markets, underscoring that Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ingenuity can compete on the world stage when backed with the right knowledge and institutional support.
