The Lagos State Government has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair.
The event is described as a declaration of the government’s commitment to grassroots enterprise, inclusive growth and the empowerment of all residents. It is scheduled to take place from December 8 to 14, 2025, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
At a press briefing held at the Bagauda Khalto Press Centre in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, said the fair was designed to promote social inclusion by giving visibility and dignity to grassroots entrepreneurs who are often overlooked. She explained that the initiative aims to support capacity building, business growth and inter-LGA collaboration by providing an inclusive marketplace for emerging businesses.
She said, “This event will brings together five vibrant Local Government Areas: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, including associated Local Council Development Areas such as Apapa Iganmu, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Lagos Island West, Lagos Island East, Yaba, Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate, in a shared space where commerce, culture, and collaboration meet.” She added that the concept of the Round City reflects a collective resolve to unify diverse localities by linking the energy of Lagos Island, the industrious spirit of Apapa, the vibrant heartbeat of Surulere, the lively bustle of Lagos Mainland and the fast-growing business corridors of Eti-Osa into one inclusive marketplace.
She noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, contributes over 30 percent to the nation’s total GDP, powered not only by corporates but by millions of small and micro enterprises operating across markets, streets, homes and digital platforms. She said the service sector, driven heavily by trade, accounted for more than 90 percent of Lagos’ real GDP in 2024, with trade alone representing over half of that figure in the second quarter. She emphasised that when MSMEs thrive, Lagos thrives, and when Lagos thrives, Nigeria advances.
Mrs Bada Ambrose, who described the fair as a celebration of enterprise, resilience, creativity and community, said the government is committed to giving informal and micro enterprises access to markets and knowledge, while opening new pathways out of poverty for thousands of citizens. She said, “We have created strong pathways between MSMEs and support agencies, potential investors and public-private partners, giving our entrepreneurs the linkages they need to scale. For artisans and informal-sector operators, from roadside vendors to market traders, we have ensured full inclusion, recognition, and support. The cross-LGA collaboration zone brings entrepreneurs together to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and strengthen value chains across Lagos.”
She noted that the fair would serve as the foundation for long-term initiatives, including the development of a database of MSMEs and informal-sector actors across the participating LGAs to support targeted interventions.
The fair coordinator, Mr Fuad Oki, expressed appreciation to the ministry for organising the event to boost grassroots contributions to Lagos’ economy. He said the fair would attract participants from the informal sector, including artisans, food vendors, fashion designers, home décor producers and technology service providers.
Speaking on behalf of the Local Government and Council Development Areas, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Yusuf Suleiman, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support and noted that the fair would create significant opportunities for MSMEs and help their businesses flourish by strengthening grassroots economic activities.
