WE’LL FASTRACK APPROVAL FOR LCCI CONVENTION CENTRE – SANWO-OLU

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured the leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) that his administration will fastrack the approval for the Certificate of Occupancy of the land allocated to the organisation for the construction of trade fair and exhibition centre. 

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the celebration of Lagos State Day/Closing Ceremony of the just concluded annual Lagos International Trade Fair held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos on Sunday with the theme: “Navigating Economic Challenges: Forging a Path to Prosperity”.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, said his administration is committed to improving the business environment towards making it more attractive for investment. 

His words: “With the T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda, now rechristened T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda, our administration rose to the occasion as we confronted the challenges of infrastructure and others frontally because we understand how important they are to achieving the major responsibility of government, which is facilitating friendly environment for living and ease of doing businesses. 

“We shall continue to place a high priority on the provision of key infrastructure that would make our State safer, more secure, functional and productive as an impetus towards achieving sustainable economic growth, leveraging on a highly motivated and vibrant private-sector participation”. 

The Governor also stated that the administration will continue to build the capacity of MSMEs through various training in branding, packaging, digital marketing skills and others, while further promoting locally made products by facilitating access to market for entrepreneurs. 

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade & Investment, Hon. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem noted that Lagos State, the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, currently contributes approximately 25 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

“Over the past year, we have seen an impressive eight percent growth in our non-oil sector, a testament to the resilience and innovation of our industrious business community. Many of our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are growing, accounting for about 80 percent of the State’s employment, which underscores their pivotal role in job creation and economic development”, she said. 

Ambrose-Medebem said beyond the numbers, the real value lies in the stories the numbers tell – stories of entrepreneurs who, despite challenges, have built thriving businesses; stories of international investors who see Lagos not just as a business destination, but as a hub of innovation and creativity, and stories of everyday Lagosian, whose diligence and tenacity propel the State forward.

Noting that the Lagos International Trade Fair has long been one of the platforms where these stories converge, the Commissioner stated that Lagos State is proud again to join LCCI in hosting over 2000 exhibitors to showcase the best of Lagos, Nigeria and the world. 

President of LCCI, Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Olawale Cole, CON, appreciated and applauded the Governor for his disposition and commitment to the promotion of close collaboration between the Government and the Organised Private Sector in the State. 

“We also appreciate his inclusive approach to governance. I must also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, for her continued support and encouragement. The Organised Private Sector (OPS) shall stand solidly behind the State in its quest to actualise its recently launched Development Plan”, he said.