To encourage more investment in micro, small and medium scale enterprises, MSMEs, a small-scale industrial estate is springing up at Gberigbe, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The small-scale industrial estate, is coming to complement existing small industrial estates like Isolo, Mushin, and Sabo in Ikorodu.
According to Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Lola Akande, it is a further demonstration of government’s resolve to continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
In her words, apart from being home to thousands of MSMEs, Lagos is also Nigeria’s industrial/commercial hub, accounting for most of the quoted companies on Nigerian Exchange Limited and a key contributor to the country’s gross domestic product.
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.
Akande assured the business community of the state’s commitment to improving the business environment and making it more attractive for investors.
Akande listed existing projects/programmes in aid of MSMEs in Lagos to include Eko MSMEs fashion hub established in collaboration with the Federal Government to boost the fashion and apparel industry.
“The e-commerce digital platform was 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.
Others include the Lagos Council on MSMEs, a broad-based platform comprising State and Federal Government agencies for the harmonisation of the 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 park was part of the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for the OPS and other stakeholders in the state.
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, the Clothing & Textiles category won by Sisi Aladire Entreprises, among others.