President Buhari declares Lagos International Trade Fair open

President Muhammadu Buhari has declared the 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair open.

Buhari was represented by the Minister Trade, Industry and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Mrs Omolola Akande.

Also present at the opening of the 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair is the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Toki Mabkgunje as well as other dignitaries.

The 35th edition Lagos International Trade Fair with the theme: “Connecting Businesses Creating Value,” is aimed at making business owners add value to whatever they do with a view to making the society and the environment prosper.

Buhari in his keynote address said that trade plays a significant role in the economic growth of the nation.

He went further by saying Nigeria’s economic growth is coming back very strong, and Nigeria’s must support locally manufactured goods and calls for more collaborations between Federal agencies and state government towards supporting locally manufactured goods and services.

The governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu speaking through his Commissioner for commerce and industry Mrs Omolola Akande, said the importance of exhibition trade fair cannot be overemphasised in view of the envisaged impact of the development of the economic sector most especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise MSME, and continue to provide platforms for entrepreneurs from all over the world to interact and build a strong network for the partnership for the growth and expansion of businesses both locally and across the borders.

He also assured them that his administration will work assiduously towards a business-friendly environment with a view to facilitating profitable returns on investment in the state based on belief in the economic development and strategy that is private sector driven.

The President Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mrs Toki Mabogunje during his welcome address said the theme underlines the value of interactions between producers, service producers and end-users which is the cardinal objective of the trade fair.

She said as investors they need to continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination to forge ahead despite the economic challenges and as a chamber, they have strong confidence in the Nigerian economy and belief they meet their targets for this year.

Awards were also presented to the minister of trade and investment as well as the Governor of Lagos State for their immense contribution to the success of the Lagos International trade fair.