By Mathew Johnson, Florencemary Nwabueze and Precious EnaikeTraders at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have called for stronger collaboration with the federal government following a visit by the Minister of Industry,
Trade and Investment to the sprawling commercial hub.The visit brought together traders, business leaders, and government officials in a meeting that highlighted the economic importance of the complex as well as the challenges faced by operators within the facility.
BACKGROUND HISTORY: The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is one of Nigeria’s most important commercial hubs and a key center for wholesale trade in West Africa. Located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway in Lagos, the complex gradually evolved into a major permanent marketplace.The project is managed by the Nigerian International Trade Fair Complex Management Board and designed as a purpose-built exhibition ground with pavilions, halls, and open spaces for trade fairs.
The complex occupies roughly 32 hectares of land and includes exhibition halls, warehouses, administrative buildings, and large open trading spaces.
TRANSFORMATION:Traders from across Nigeria began acquiring plazas and warehouses in the facility over time, and it attracted merchants from neighboring countries such as: Benin, Ghana Togo, NigerA founding leader of the market and Chairman Board of Trustees, Mr. Okey Ezibe, who made a rousing speech during the occassion said local investors had been among the biggest contributors to the country’s economy since 1998, stressing that they had demonstrated strong confidence in Nigeria by investing heavily in the trade complex. He noted that although the traders largely operate within the informal sector, they are gradually transitioning towards formalization after studying global best practices in international trade markets.
According to him, the traders transformed the once dilapidated complex into a thriving commercial hub serving not only Nigeria but the entire West African sub region. He said the area was previously run down with little or no infrastructure until traders invested massively to rebuild and develop it into what he described as ‘an enviable masterpiece’ that now attracts thousands of traders and customers daily.“ I can remember when we first came here many years ago. It was swampy, but with the help of God and other inventors who invested massively,
it became a great transition,” Ezeibe saidHe explained that despite the investments, the traders lamented the insufficient government support and persistent operational challenges. They cited multiple taxation, numerous checkpoints between the ports, borders, and the trade fair complex, and harassment by local authorities as issues increasing the cost of doing business and ultimately raising prices for consumers.
They also decried poor infrastructure within the complex, saying that despite paying billions of naira to the federal government in ground rents and other charges, they had not received adequate infrastructural support such as roads, street lighting or power facilities.“It is a pity my people lost billions of naira following demolition exercises carried out in parts of the market which disrupted businesses and affected investor confidence to even our foreign investors who we collect goods from, making them to run away because they don’t want to lose in the business space.’He further recounted the early years of the complex and the role private investors played in developing it into a thriving commercial center.“When we came here, the place was devastated.
There was no infrastructure on the ground. But we transformed it into an enviable hub that now serves the entire West African sub-region, noting that traders had invested billions of naira over the years to build plazas, warehouses, and other facilities within the complex.“We are informal sector operators, but the impact we make on the economy is enormous. We employ millions of people and contribute significantly to the country’s trade and commerce, including retiress from ministries and other offices,” Ezeibe said.According to him, traders frequently face multiple regulatory checkpoints and excessive taxation while moving goods from the ports and border posts.“From the port to this place, there are several checkpoints targeting our goods. From the borders, we face more than 20 checkpoints,” he said.He explained that the situation increases the cost of doing business and ultimately affects consumers through higher prices. Stakeholders also called for the harmonization of taxes and levies imposed by different government agencies.“Can we not streamline the taxes and payments so that we pay once and operate without harassment?” he asked.
INFRACTRUCTURAL CONCERNS:Infrastructure deficits also featured prominently during the meeting, citing poor road networks, limited electricity supply, and inadequate public utilities within the complex.Ezeibe said traders pay substantial ground rent and other charges to government agencies but have not seen corresponding improvements in infrastructure.“We pay billions of naira in ground rent and other charges to the Federal Government, yet we have not seen basic infrastructure like street lights or transformers, get disturbances from the both the state and local government ” he stated.He urged the government to partner with traders to rehabilitate key access roads leading to the complex, noting that hundreds of trucks and trailers move through the corridor daily.
“If the roads are improved, more businesses will come here, and trade will grow even more,” he added.Ezeibe raised concerns about the demolition of some structures within the complex, which they said caused heavy financial losses to affected traders.“Some people have still not recovered from that demolition,” the representative said, calling for compensation or support measures.Speaking at the meeting, the executive chairman of the trade fair management board, Erelu Vera Safiya Ndanusa, urged traders to support government policies aimed at strengthening the economy. She expressed optimism that the federal government would deliver on its promises, noting that improved infrastructure and policy support would further position the trade fair complex as a major commercial and export hub for Nigeria and the wider West African region. She said“I have been in charge as the executive director. The tradefair market space has been amazing with maximum corporation with support of the Federal government this market remains at the top in West Africa,” Ndanusa explained.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT:Responding, the minister of industry, trade and investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole acknowledged the concerns raised and commended traders for their role in driving economic activity within the complex.She noted that although many operators belong to the informal sector, the scale of their businesses reflects their importance to Nigeria’s economy. “The minister who was visibly overnwhelmed with the developments recorded by the traders in the market after taking a tour of the entire area continued: “Your informality does not mean you are small. You are moving billions of naira internationally and we recognise that, that is why I have come here again and decided to tour the whole complex myself to the area of concern and what the complex lacked so that I can explained what I have seen to Mr. President,” she said.She stressed that the government is committed to supporting domestic investors as part of its broader economic strategy.“Before attracting foreign investment, we must treat our domestic investors well and support them, also the level of investment and trade observed in the complex clearly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product GDP and assured traders that the government recognizes their role in driving economic growth.”The minister assured stakeholders that the federal government would work with them to address regulatory challenges, tax harmonization, and infrastructure development.She also welcomed proposals for regular consultations between government officials and business leaders, suggesting quarterly meetings to track progress.“We will meet regularly and agree on what we will achieve every quarter. We will hold ourselves accountable and deliver tangible results, if not immediately” she said.
REGIONAL TRADE HUBThe Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has long served as a major platform for exhibitions, trade fairs, and commercial exchanges involving businesses from across Nigeria and the wider West African region.Officials say revitalizing the facility will be key to expanding Nigeria’s trade capacity as the country positions itself to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria is preparing to host a major intra-African trade fair in 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.For many traders present at the meeting, the minister’s visit signaled what the minister tagged as ‘renewed hope agenda ‘, and it will be a new phase of cooperation between government and private sector operators at the complex.“This is the beginning of building trust,” the minister said. “We may not always agree, but we will work together step by step to improve this corridor.”The meeting ended with calls from stakeholders for sustained dialogue and practical reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of one of West Africa’s busiest trading centers.
