The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, has said that the state remains one of the most attractive destinations for business in Africa.
Ambrose-Medebem disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Edition of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) Trade Fair, held at the International Trade Fair, Lagos.
According to the commissioner, state government policies are geared towards ease of doing business. “We are simplifying processes, digitising services and creating a more transparent regulatory environment.
“Through the state Ministry of Commerce, Comparative, Trade and Investment, we continue to support businesses with the policy and framework they need to thrive,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem, who was represented at the occasion by the acting Director of Commerce in the ministry, Mr Segun Alugba, urged all the participants to take full advantage of the days ahead.
“Explore the exhibition, attend the 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 like this that align with our vision of a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive economy,” she said.
The Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Customs Service Zone A, Ikeja, ACG Mohammed Babandede, representing Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, said the service was collaborating with BACCIMA to promote local production.
Babandede commended BACCIMA for initiating the maiden edition of the Trade Fair in Lagos for local manufacturers and neighbouring countries.
In his address, the President of NACCIMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, said the chamber is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote ease of doing business, industrialisation, export development, MSME growth, infrastructure improvement, and private sector competitiveness.
“We believe that empowering businesses for regional and global markets requires strong collaboration between government, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, development partners, and the organised private sector.
“We sincerely commend the leadership and members of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising this important trade fair and for their dedication to promoting enterprise development and economic inclusion.
“Their efforts align strongly with the broader vision of building a more competitive, export-oriented, and prosperous Nigerian economy.
“It is our expectation that this trade fair will foster productive partnerships, unlock investment opportunities, promote local content development, and deepen regional trade cooperation,” he said.
Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director General of the chamber, Mr Olusola Obadimu, wished all exhibitors successful engagements, all participants rewarding interactions, and the organisers a highly impactful and memorable event.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Yahaya Idris, the President of BACCIMA, said the trade fair provides an excellent platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential investors and partners.
According to him, they will also exchange ideas, and explore emerging opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, logistics, tourism, creative industries, and cross-border trade.
“We sincerely appreciate the support and partnership of government agencies, corporate organisations, chambers of commerce, exhibitors, and sponsors whose contributions have made this event possible.
“No doubt, the current global economic shift resulting from the Middle East crisis, which led to a sudden hike in fuel prices, has created a significant negative impact on the public and corporate response to the Fair.
“But we are not deterred from our commitment to ensuring that the Fair comes alive,” he said.
The President appealed to LASG to establish an International Park along the corridor, which is a strategic complementary project that would serve the Trade Fair Hub and the Cross-Border trade for the entire Lagos-Abidjan trade route in West Africa.
He said the chamber is committed to being part of this laudable vision as a corporate association partner in the equation. At the trade fair, Idris said the fair was more than just an exhibition platform.
According to him, it is a strategic economic and commercial gathering designed to promote local and international trade and encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“It will facilitate investment opportunities, strengthen cross-border commerce and enhance regional integration under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“It will also create sustainable partnerships for economic development,” he said.
Idris commended the Federal Government, LASG and relevant trade facilitation agencies for their ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and promoting exports.
