President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) as a vital pillar for Nigeria’s economic growth, innovation, and industrial advancement, urging participants to view the fair as a platform for partnerships and national development rather than a mere exhibition.

Speaking through the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the President made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, at the weekend. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, also announced that Lagos would host the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027.

President Tinubu, in his goodwill message, lauded the fair as a “symbol of Nigerian enterprise, creativity, resilience, and unyielding belief in possibilities.”

He emphasised that the exhibition represents the “engine room of the nation’s future,” bringing together manufacturers, farmers, digital creators, investors, and small business owners.

In a statement signed by the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the President urged participants to go beyond trading and embrace innovation and collaboration. “Let this not only be a fair of products, but a fair of possibilities. Not only a trade exhibition, but a platform for partnerships, innovation, and industrial rebirth. Every product made in Nigeria is a statement of confidence. Every partnership formed here is a step toward shared prosperity,” the statement read.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks delivered by Mrs Ambrose, commended the Lagos International Trade Fair as one of Africa’s most credible trading platforms.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, in securing Lagos’ hosting rights for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.

According to the Governor, Lagos had an impressive outing at the last continental trade fair in Algeria, where 20 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sponsored by the state not only sold out their stock but also formed strategic business partnerships.

The Lagos State Hall at the ongoing fair has been described as one of the most beautifully branded sections of the event. The state is expected to mark its Special Day on Sunday, November 16th, the closing day of the 10-day exhibition which began on November 1st.

Meanwhile, Golden Penny Foods Limited and Jica Africa will hold their Special Days today, November 10th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., respectively.

Other organisations scheduled for Monday, November 11th, include the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and the United Asian Exhibition Company (UAEC).

The annual fair remains open to the public, with free attendance for non-exhibiting participants.