Lagos MSME Fair Boosts Small Business Growth

Over 3,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are targeted to showcase their products and services during the Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair, lagos“>Lagos State said on Tuesday.

The fair, the first of its kind, is intended to encourage enterprise development and inclusive economic growth, particularly at the grassroots level.

The week-long fair is scheduled for December 8-14, 2025, at Surulere’s National Stadium.

Folashade Bada Ambrose, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, briefed reporters on the fair’s planning at Alausa, Ikeja, saying it was part of the state government’s commitment to empowering small businesses and bringing attention to often-overlooked grassroots entrepreneurs.

According to her, the event’s goal is to create an inclusive marketplace that promotes capacity building, business expansion, and inter-LGA collaboration.

The fair will be attended by five key LGAs: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, as well as their respective LCDAs: Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island East and West, Yaba, Coker Aguda, and Itire Ikate.

The “Round City” concept reflects efforts to bring diverse communities in Lagos together 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, she said.

She emphasized the importance of MSMEs in Lagos‘ economy, noting that the state contributes more than 30% of Nigeria‘s total GDP.

The commissioner went on to say that in 2024, the service sector, which is heavily reliant on trade, will account for more than 90% of Lagos‘ real GDP, with trade accounting for more than half in the second quarter.

“These facts speak clearly: when MSMEs thrive, lagos“>Lagos thrives. And when lagos“>Lagos thrives, nigeria“>Nigeria advances,” she said.

She referred to 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“>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.

Fuad Oki, the fair coordinator, lauded the government for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a boost to lagos“>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.

Yusuf Suleiman, chair of Surulere Local Government, speaking on behalf of participating LGAs and LCDAs, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support. He said that the fair will create significant opportunities for MSMEs and enhance grassroots economic activities.