The maiden edition of the Lagos Mainland Trade Fair served as a crucial platform for empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of international trade. Organized in partnership with Mona Matthews and Queen Janet Afolabi of Apomu Kingdom, the fair’s central focus was to equip vendors with the tools and resources necessary to transform their businesses into export-ready ventures. This initiative, spearheaded by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), underscores the country’s strategic move towards diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil revenues. The training sessions, conducted by senior NEPC officials, Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, provided a comprehensive guide to export procedures, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to international standards. This capacity-building initiative aims to empower local businesses to compete effectively in the global market, thereby contributing to increased foreign exchange earnings and bolstering the nation’s economic resilience.
The organizers of the Lagos Mainland Trade Fair recognized the vital role of export readiness in empowering local businesses and stimulating economic growth. The event provided a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of export procedures and international trade regulations. Monalisa Aze, CEO of Mona Matthews and curator of the event, lauded the training program as a timely intervention, highlighting its significance in fostering confidence among vendors and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the export landscape successfully. Queen Janet Afolabi, a prominent media personality and partner in organizing the fair, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential of such initiatives to boost foreign exchange earnings and enhance national economic development, contributing towards long-term sustainability.
The training sessions, facilitated by the NEPC, covered a wide range of topics essential for export success, including product quality control, packaging, documentation, logistics, and market access strategies. The emphasis on compliance with international standards served to underscore the importance of meeting global market requirements, ensuring that Nigerian products can compete effectively on the international stage. This capacity-building initiative aligns with the government’s broader economic diversification agenda, aiming to reduce reliance on oil exports and foster sustainable growth through the promotion of non-oil sectors, creating a more robust and diversified economy.
The participation of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) further reinforced the focus on quality and regulatory compliance. NAFDAC officials sensitized entrepreneurs on the crucial importance of product registration and adherence to food and drug safety standards, both domestically and internationally. This collaborative approach between government agencies and private sector stakeholders demonstrated a concerted effort to ensure that Nigerian products meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks, thereby enhancing their marketability and competitiveness in global markets.
The Lagos Mainland Trade Fair proved to be a resounding success, attracting a diverse array of vendors, guests, and industry stakeholders, including renowned gospel singer Tope Alabi. The positive response from participants highlighted the significance of such events in fostering entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities for business growth and expansion. Monalisa Aze expressed her immense satisfaction with the event’s outcome, emphasizing the passion and dedication displayed by participating vendors. The fair served as a testament to the transformative potential of collaborative initiatives in driving economic development and empowering local businesses.
Vendor testimonials further underscored the practical benefits of the fair. Enobong Ezekiel, CEO of Coreal8, praised the event for providing valuable exposure and networking opportunities. Ezekiel highlighted the supportive atmosphere created by the organizers, which facilitated meaningful connections with potential customers and partners. The success of the maiden Lagos Mainland Trade Fair underscores the potential of such platforms in promoting entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and enhancing Nigeria’s presence in the global marketplace. The event served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for local businesses aspiring to expand their reach and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.
