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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State Government has announced the maiden edition of the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair, a new initiative designed to deepen grassroots enterprise development and promote inclusive economic growth.
The week-long fair is scheduled to hold from 8 to 14 December 2025, at the National Stadium, Surulere.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, said the fair underscores the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses and giving visibility to often-overlooked grassroots entrepreneurs.
She noted that the event aims to create an inclusive marketplace that fosters capacity building, business expansion and inter-LGA collaboration.
The fair will feature participation from five key LGAs: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa and Apapa, as well as their associated LCDAs, including Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island East and West, Yaba, Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate.
According to her, the “Round City” concept reflects efforts to unify diverse communities across Lagos by connecting the commercial energy of Lagos Island, the industrial character of Apapa, the vibrant pulse of Surulere, the bustling Lagos Mainland, and the fast-growing business corridors of Eti-Osa.
Bada Ambrose highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in Lagos’ economy, noting that the state contributes over 30 percent to Nigeria’s total GDP.
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She added that in 2024, the service sector, driven significantly by trade, accounted for over 90 per cent of Lagos’ real GDP, with trade making up more than half of that in the second quarter.
“These facts speak clearly: when MSMEs thrive, Lagos thrives. And when Lagos thrives, Nigeria advances,” she said.
The Commissioner described the upcoming fair as a celebration of enterprise, resilience, creativity and community.
She added that the event will provide informal and micro-enterprises with access to markets, knowledge and partnerships, ultimately helping lift thousands out of poverty.
“We have created strong pathways between MSMEs and support agencies, potential investors and public-private partners. For artisans and informal sector operators, from roadside vendors to market traders, we have ensured full inclusion and support,” she said, noting that a cross-LGA collaboration zone will enable entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and strengthen value chains.
She revealed that the fair will also lay the groundwork for developing a comprehensive database of MSMEs and informal-sector actors across the participating LGAs to help the government deliver targeted support.
Fair Coordinator Mr Fuad Oki commended the Ministry for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a boost to Lagos’ grassroots economy. He said the fair will attract artisans, food vendors, fashion designers, home décor producers, technology service providers and other players in the informal sector.
Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Yusuf Suleiman, speaking on behalf of participating LGAs and LCDAs, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support. He emphasised that the fair will create significant opportunities for MSMEs and enhance grassroots economic activities across the state.
