Lagos International trade fair is an annual program that brings all buyers and sellers together both within the country and outside the country. The fair allows sellers and manufacturers to showcase their products to the world. It is the biggest fair in Nigeria, if not also in West Africa.

This year’s edition of trade fair is the 27th edition, the theme is “Harnessing Trade Potentials for an Inclusive Economy”. The fair is organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry which have been in existence since the year 1888. LCCI is the oldest trade chamber in Nigeria and the second oldest in Africa.

Lagos International trade fair for this year began  November 1 and its to end by November 10, and its venue is at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos, this space is about 50,000m2. 

About 1000 exhibitors (companies) showed interest to participate in the fair, 800 exhibitors are local companies in Nigeria while the remaining 200 exhibitors are from other countries round the world. These countries include  Brazil, China, Ghana, United Kingdom, European Union countries, and others.

The aims of this 10-days event are as follows;

• Help revitalise and diversify the Nigerian economy
• Increase the development rate of commerce and industry;
• Promote Made-in-Nigeria products;
• Promote the Agriculture and agro-based industry;
• The evolution of Nigeria’s trade with the outside world;
• Direct attention to the role of the private sector in the Nigerian economy; and
• Prospects for foreign and local investments in strategic areas.

The event was declared open 1st November by the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan; The governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola; minister for trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga.

On the first day of the event, it was reported that only Lagos state (i.e. companies in Lagos) and about 5 banks were present at the trade fair. The five banks included Lapo Microfinance Bank, First bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Although, other banks came around after the first day and likewise other states and countries. Presently we have about 52 exhibitors from Ghana and 101 exhibitors from China at the Trade fair arena. This fair will help boost the relationship of Nigeria with all these foreign countries and it will help boost our economy which are part of the aims of this trade fair.

Below are the categories of exhibitors that are present at the fair:

1.  Agriculture and Food Production
2.  Building and Construction materials and systems
3.  Industrial & Production machinery including
4. Oil, Gas and Petro-chemical
5.  Mining and Energy
6. Transport / Aviation
7.  Telecommunications
8.  Business Equipment and Data Processing Systems.
9. Training and Education
10.  Healthcare and Safety Equipment
11.  Banking and Finance Services
12. Scientific/Technological Break-through

The fair is opened to all, so you can avail yourself the opportunity to explore the fair and get yourself something good even at a cheaper rate. This is a yearly event and there is maximum security at the arena.