Lagos Trade Fair Targets N500bn Transactions, 1m Visitors to Spur Growth
The 39th Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is expected to generate over N500 billion in trade and business deals, as organisers project attendance of more than one million visitors across the 10-day event, making it the largest fair in West Africa.
Historically, the Fair has recorded an average of 350,000 visitors and attracted over 2,000 exhibitors annually, while last year’s edition hosted delegates from 15 countries. The 2025 edition, themed “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” is set to surpass previous records, cementing Lagos as the hub of regional commerce.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Vice President and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Prince Abimbola Olashore, said this year’s fair is designed to drive investment, deepen intra-African trade, and expand Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.
He assured visitors of free entry and robust security measures to ensure an inclusive and secure experience.
The 2025 Fair will host multiple specialised segments, including a Children’s Corner, a Tech Hub, Africa Hall, a diverse food court, and sector-focused exhibitions. Global participation is expected, with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and international corporations showcasing products alongside Nigerian giants such as Dangote Industries Limited, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).
President Bola Tinubu will officially declare the Fair open, while the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, will attend as Special Guest. According to the Director of Trade at ECOWAS, Mr Kolawole Sofola, the Fair will also host the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum, which is expected to strengthen regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr Steven Adeyemo, Brand Manager of Eko Chocolate Group, underscored the importance of regional cooperation, noting that West Africa produces 75 million metric tonnes of cocoa annually but captures only $10 billion of the $200 billion global cocoa market.
He urged the adoption of innovative agricultural practices and stronger AfCFTA-led collaboration to improve competitiveness against countries like Brazil and Ecuador.
With over 2,500 local and international exhibitors anticipated this year, organisers are optimistic the Fair will stimulate billions of naira in commercial activity, expand Nigeria’s export opportunities, and position Lagos as Africa’s gateway to international markets.
