The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, says the state remains one of the most attractive destinations for business in Africa.

Mrs Ambrose-Medebem said this on Saturday at the opening of the mid-year edition of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) Trade Fair at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

The theme of the fair is: “Promoting Regional Trade, Investment and Economic Integration through Strategic Partnerships.”

According to the commissioner, the state government’s policies are focused on improving the ease of doing business.

“We are simplifying processes, digitising services, and creating a more transparent regulatory environment.

“Through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, we will continue to provide the policy framework businesses need to thrive,” she said.

Represented by the ministry’s Acting Director of Commerce,Segun Alugba, Mrs Ambrose-Medebem urged participants to take full advantage of the fair.

“Explore the exhibition, attend networking sessions, ask questions, and build relationships. Every conversation has the potential to unlock value.

“On behalf of the government, I reaffirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment for trade and investment.

“We will continue to support initiatives that align with our vision of a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive economy,” she said.

ACG Mohammed Babandede, the Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Customs Service Zone A, Ikeja, representing the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, said the service was collaborating with BACCIMA to promote local production.

Afolabi Babatunde, the special adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, commended BACCIMA for organising the mid-year trade fair to promote local manufacturers and strengthen trade with neighbouring countries.

In his address, Jani Ibrahim, the president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said the association remained committed to supporting policies that promote industrialisation, export development, MSME growth, infrastructure improvement, and private sector competitiveness.

“We believe that preparing businesses for regional and global markets requires strong collaboration among government, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, development partners, and the organised private sector,” he said.

Represented by the Director-General of NACCIMA, Olusola Obadimu, Mr Ibrahim commended BACCIMA for promoting enterprise development and economic inclusion.

He expressed confidence that the trade fair would foster productive partnerships, unlock investment opportunities, promote local content development, and deepen regional trade cooperation.

Earlier, the president of BACCIMA, Yahaya Idris, said the fair would provide a platform for businesses to showcase products and services, network with investors, and explore opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, among others.

Mr Idris appealed to the Lagos State Government to establish an international trade park along the Badagry corridor to complement the trade fair hub and support commerce along the Lagos–Abidjan route in West Africa.

According to him, the fair will promote local and international trade, encourage SMEs, facilitate investment, strengthen cross-border commerce, and enhance regional integration under the Economic Community of West African States and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He commended the federal and Lagos State governments for ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and boosting exports. 

(NAN)