3

The Lagos State government has pledged support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and proved an enabling environment for them to thrive.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu made the pledge at the day closing ceremony of the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair on Sunday in Lagos.

He described the sector as the backbone of state’s economy, adding that the state will collaborate with the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to “design programmes that empower small businesses, strengthen export readiness, and connect Lagos-based enterprises to regional and global markets. And as we do all this, we will champion sustainability and green business practices, because true value must be enduring. Our growth must be inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible.”

Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the vibrant heart of Africa’s economic engine, adding that hosting the fair is a reaffirmation of the collective resolve: “that Lagos is not only open for business, but determined to deliver value for entrepreneurs, for citizens, and for generations yet to come.

According to him, the theme of the fair, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” is more than a slogan, saying that it captures the essence of Lagos must do to thrive. “Connecting businesses means building the networks, infrastructure, policies, and partnerships that allow enterprises, large or small, local or international, to meet, collaborate, trade, and innovate. Creating value means going beyond mere transactions: it is about generating jobs, fostering innovation, building supply chains, enriching lives, and strengthening the prosperity of our State.”

He commended the LCCI for its consistent leadership in advancing ideals that lead to development of enterprise, adding that the collaboration between Lagos State and the LCCI has built a vital bridge between government and the private sector, ensuring that policy aligns with practice and that innovation meets opportunity.

The stated that Lagos is home to over 23 million people and contribute approximately 30 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, asserting that “this means that investors and businesses who choose Lagos are choosing an ecosystem of scale, connectivity, and dynamism. Yet, scale alone is not enough; it must be matched with enabling infrastructure, smart policy, digital readiness, and a business environment where value is both created and sustained.”

He lauded the partnership with the LCCI in helping to refine policies, improve the ease of doing business, and strengthen investor confidence across borders.

He disclosed that the state has made remarkable progress across infrastructure, policy, and digital transformation and listed the Lekki Economic Zone, which has attracted over $25 billion in investment,

the industrial zones and clusters, from the Lekki Free Zone to the Agbowa Timberville, the Ibeju-Lekki Industrial Corridor, and others, to ensure that manufacturers, exporters, and service providers can operate in well-serviced, secure, and cost-efficient environments.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, the president of LCCI, thanked everyone that contributed to the success of the fair, especially President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen John Owan Enoh, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.