Lagos: President Bola Tinubu has assured domestic and international investors of Nigeria’s openness and readiness for business partnerships. The President delivered this message at the 39th Edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President was represented at the fair by the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh. The 2025 edition of the fair, set to run from Nov. 7 to 16, will showcase Nigerian entrepreneurship, ingenuity, and the diversity and richness of global economic partnerships. Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to stable policies, honored contracts, and transparent incentives for manufacturers, exporters, and small businesses. He assured businesses of digitized ports, one-stop shops for business permits, smarter taxation, and faster dispute resolution.
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria as a nation of ideas and youthful brilliance, not just a market of over 200 million people. He described the African Continental Free Trade Area as a significant economic project with a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, stating that Nigeria must lead in this initiative. He encouraged attendees to form partnerships that would enhance Nigerian products’ reach across the continent and beyond.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also addressed the fair, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folasade Ambrose-Medebem. He described Lagos as a dynamic hub where vision meets value and enterprise meets opportunity. Sanwo-Olu stressed that investing in Lagos means investing in a city of over 23 million people who are young, tech-savvy, and forward-looking, as well as in a government committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses.
Sanwo-Olu noted his administration’s efforts in strengthening trade and commerce fundamentals, simplifying investment procedures, and improving access to transparent data for investors. He highlighted the importance of supporting MSMEs, cooperatives, and inclusive growth, emphasizing innovative financing and market access facilitation.
Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, described the fair as an incubator of ideas and a catalyst for commerce. He praised the federal and state governments for their participation, viewing it as a demonstration of their commitment to empowering the private sector. Idahosa encouraged Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to network with international exhibitors, initiate distributorship deals, and diversify their product offerings.