Following the global economic recession occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lagos State Government has assured the business community of its unwavering commitment to create a business friendly environment that will promote entrepreneurship and engender the growth of Small Medium Enterprises in the state.

Commissioner, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. Lola Akande gave the assurance, during the Official launch of ECOWAS and Friendly countries Trade Fair tagged; “ECOFairs 2022” at Ikeja, Lagos.

While commending the organisers of the Maiden edition of ECOFairs 2022, Dr. Akande noted that the fair is in accordance to the mandate of ECOWAS to promote cooperation and integration in the area of commerce, energy, telecommunications and agriculture amongst member Countries in the region.

She said government will continue to provide support for entrepreneurs and business owners to mitigate the economic challenges of Covid-19 pandemic through its business friendly policies.

She added, with the advent of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) , Lagos is positioned to engage commercially with other African Nations to boost export and create jobs opportunities in the country.

According to her, Lagos State, with a population of over 21 million people, remains the commercial, industrial and financial hub of the country and also the gateway to globalisation in ECOWAS, the hub of regional maritime and aviation activities and the nerve center of the nonoil trade in Nigeria.

The Commissioner further noted, government has made available remarkable investment opportunities through the Lekki Free Zone which provides the Organised private sector access to exportation of goods and services

While speaking on the initiatives of government towards a business friendly environment, Dr. Akande noted that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-olu has continued to invest heavily in transport and road infrastructure through the rehabilitation of trailer park and call up hub in Apapa, network of roads at Lekki and construction work from Epe to Sagamu to enhance commercial development in the State.

She spoke through Director of Commerce, Helen Adeshina.

This is contained in a statement made available by the Ministry
Director Public Affairs, Kayode Oyekanmi.