LAGOS TO SUPPORT COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL TRADE FAIR 2024

Lagos State Government has promised to collaborate and support the “Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair 2024” which is being organised by the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board to ensure its success.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin in Lagos on Tuesday while speaking at an event to unveil the Trade Fair theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Commercial and Industrial Sectors through Trade and Investment”.

Speaking on behalf of the State Government, Barrister ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin stated that the Fair could not have come at a better time; with the macro-economic headwinds confronting the nation like currency fluctuations, inflation, and economic uncertainties, affirming that the Trade Fair will provide great opportunity to focus on boosting domestic commercial and industrial activities, thus growing the economy.

His words: “Traditionally, Trade Fairs are known to provide an incredible platform for businesses to showcase and market their products and services, increase and distinguish their brand awareness in the market, expand their market reach, gain new customers and connect with others through networking. These are tactics that can ensure business survival in this critical time, particularly if they intend to stay competitive in the long run.

“Majority of businesses that will be participating in this Fair will be Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As the bedrock of sustainable development and the heartbeat of our industrial and economic development, I am highly optimistic that this Trade Fair will be highly interactive, engaging and impactful for our businesses, particularly the MSMEs. This will complement our efforts at supporting the MSMEs and empowering them to grow and thrive”.

The SSG expressed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, has continued to make giant strides by churning out policies, programmes and projects that are impacting and stimulating growth in the State, increasing non-oil export and building a globally competitive economy.

“To also improve the Ease of Doing Business, our State has made concerted efforts to create a business-friendly environment by implementing reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and promote entrepreneurship. We have prioritised partnership with the Private Sector to promote investment across various categories of enterprises and we are deliberately conscious at strengthening indigenous businesses while attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the State”, she said.

Executive Director/CEO, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Erelu Vera Ndanusa remarked that the relaunch of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair by the Complex, after 14 years, underscores Mr. President’s Eight-Point Agenda, particularly in areas focused on fostering economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the technological capabilities of industries.

“The 2024 Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair, scheduled to hold from 15th to 26th November, 2024, will serve as a dynamic platform for businesses, government bodies and industry stakeholders to connect, explore new markets and strengthen trade relations. The Fair will feature special focus on sectors and key industries such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture and services, where businesses can showcase their latest innovations and solutions,” she said.

The SSG, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, represented the State Government, alongside other top officials including the Commissioners for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment (MCCTI), Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe and Permanent Secretary, MCCTI, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina.