The Lagos State Government has introduced its inaugural Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair, a major initiative designed to foster inclusive economic development and enhance enterprise activities at the grassroots level. The week-long event is slated to run from December 8 to 14, 2025, at the National Stadium in Surulere.
During a press briefing held in Alausa, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose, stated that the fair underscores the state’s dedication to uplifting small businesses and improving the visibility of community-based entrepreneurs who often operate with limited exposure. She described the project as a broad, accessible marketplace intended to drive capacity development, business growth, and collaboration among local government areas.
The trade fair will involve entrepreneurs from five major LGAs—Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, and Apapa—alongside their respective LCDAs such as Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East and West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island East and West, Yaba, Coker Aguda, and Itire Ikate. According to Bada Ambrose, the “Round City” approach is crafted to unite Lagos’ diverse communities, drawing from the commercial strength of Lagos Island, the industrial backbone of Apapa, the vibrant core of Surulere, the energetic Lagos Mainland, and the rapidly expanding business districts of Eti-Osa.
Emphasizing the crucial role of MSMEs in Lagos’ economic structure, the commissioner noted that the state accounts for over 30 percent of Nigeria’s total GDP, while the service sector—largely propelled by commerce—made up more than 90 percent of real GDP in 2024. “These figures are telling: when MSMEs prosper, Lagos prospers. And when Lagos prospers, Nigeria moves forward,” she said. She added that the fair will spotlight innovation, resilience, and community spirit while improving access to markets, resources, and partnerships for informal and micro-businesses, ultimately helping to lift many residents out of poverty.
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Bada Ambrose also highlighted that the fair will strengthen connections between MSMEs, support organizations, private investors, and public-sector partners, ensuring inclusive participation for artisans, traders, and informal economy operators. A dedicated cross-LGA collaboration hub will enable entrepreneurs to share insights and reinforce value chain development. Additionally, the event will help build a detailed database of MSMEs and informal-sector practitioners across all participating LGAs, paving the way for targeted and strategic government interventions.
Fair Coordinator Fuad Oki praised the Ministry for championing the initiative, noting that it will attract a wide range of participants, including artisans, food vendors, fashion creatives, home décor producers, tech service providers, and other informal sector contributors. Representing the participating LGAs and LCDAs, Surulere LGA Chairman Yusuf Suleiman expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his backing, stressing that the fair will stimulate grassroots commerce and open up transformative opportunities for MSMEs throughout Lagos State.
