Lagos State Government has assured members of the business community of its commitment to improving the business environment towards making it more attractive for investment in the sector.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr Lola Akande gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the seventh edition of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Exclusive Fair at Lagos Television Blue Roof, Ikeja.

She said government remained committed to providing a conducive environment for the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders through continuous engagement in the implementation of policies, regulations and projects as they impact the business prosperity of the State.”

Speaking on the Lagos MSMEs Exclusive Fair, she said it is an annual exhibition of indigenous products especially the residents and the Lagos State funded schemes.

Akande said other projects/programmes for the MSMEs are the Eko MSMEs Fashion Hub established in collaboration with the Federal Government to boost the fashion and apparel industry.

According to her, the e-Commerce digital platform created to showcase MSMEs products and services to the world and the establishment of Lagos State Export Promotion Committee to promote the marketability of locally made products.

In her words, others include the Lagos Council on MSMEs, a broad-based platform comprising State and Federal Government agencies for the harmonisation of State-wide dispensation of national and local MSME promotion, policies, measures and programmes.

The Commissioner informed that the construction of 44 Factory Units at Imota industrial light park was part of government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for the Organized Private Sector and other stakeholders in the state.

Dr. Akande noted that the factory was one of government efforts at enhancing the growth of MSMEs and its at 86 percent completion.

The Commissioner therefore urged the exhibitors and other MSMEs as curtains were drawn to end the Exclusive Fair to take full advantage of the numerous benefits available in AFCFTA and the relevant stakeholders of various Government Agencies.

In his remarks, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu while closing the fair wished the exhibitors and participants the best in their businesses.

Also, the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her goodwill message said, the annual Fair has been a great platform to expose MSMEs to beneficial Business Clinics, and an opportunity for Exhibitors to interact with Private Investors, Business Support Providers, Regulatory Agencies and other Institutional Development Agencies in the State.

She added that the Fair has enhanced the profitability and global competitiveness of MSMEs and upscaled Lagos and Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.    

Speaking on theme, Dr Sanwo-Olu said It is geared towards exploring the benefits derivable from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework by our local producers.  

“The AfCFTA, as I said during the opening ceremony, has been designed as a strategic charter to deliver on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development, thereby reinforcing the pan-African drive”

“Being a strategic instrument that offers Africa an opportunity to confront the significant trade and economic development challenges of our time, the significance of the AfCFTA cannot be undermined or trivialised especially as it relates to MSMEs which are the engine room of economic growth and development.”

She added that the responsibility lies on the government and local manufacturers to see how the benefits of the pan-African policy can be significantly explored, which is what this Exclusive Fair has been addressing in the last six days.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, however, implored business owners/ Entrepreneurs to ensure that the lessons learnt during the fair is used to improve the their products abs services beyond the Fair and networking.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to some of the exhibitors for distinguishing themselves at the fair.

The awardees are; Fashion & Accessories category won by Bimbeads Concept, Health Fitness category by Tonics Bathing Soap, for the Clothing & Textiles cartegory was won by Sisi Aladire Entreprises.

Manna House, Finzad, Azarel and Asian Natural Cosmetics, winners in Best Social Media, Food& Beverages, Cosmetics and Household cartegories respectively.

Similarly, cash prizes of 1million, 500,000, 250,000 and gifts were won respectively in a raffle draw organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Adetutu Oluremi Ososanya moved the Vote of Thanks at the Closing Ceremony of the Six-Day MSME Exclusive Fair, which is an annual programme of the State Government put in place to showcase Made-in-Lagos products.

Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs
MCIC
3rd July 2022