LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — President Bola Tinubu has described Made-in-Nigeria products as “testaments of confidence,” urging manufacturers to scale up local production and compete globally. His remarks came during the opening of the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair, Africa’s largest business exhibition.
Speaking through Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Tinubu emphasized the importance of local content in public procurement. “We must prioritize Nigerian-made goods in our hospitals, schools, and infrastructure,” he said. “These products reflect our resilience, creativity, and national pride.”
The Lagos International Trade Fair, organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), runs from November 6 to 15 at Tafawa Balewa Square. This year’s theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” highlights the fair’s role in linking local producers with global markets.
Over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries are participating, showcasing innovations in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, and digital technology. The fair is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors, including investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
Tinubu’s comments come amid renewed efforts to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. He cited the recent inauguration of Africa’s largest fiber optic cable factory in Sagamu as proof that Nigerian industry is ready to compete globally. “We are not just building for Nigeria; we are building for the world,” he said.
LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa praised the government’s commitment to industrial growth. “The president’s message is a call to action,” Idahosa said. “We must support local producers and create an enabling environment for them to thrive.”
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also have a strong presence at the fair, with dedicated zones for startups and youth-led businesses. Many exhibitors expressed optimism about Tinubu’s remarks, saying they felt seen and supported.
“We’ve been waiting for this kind of recognition,” said Chika Okafor, a packaging entrepreneur from Aba. “If the government backs us with policy and procurement, we can transform the economy.”
The fair also features policy dialogues, investment forums, and AfCFTA-focused sessions aimed at strengthening intra-African trade. Organizers say the event is not just about commerce, but about shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
As the fair continues, Tinubu’s message resonates across exhibition halls: Made-in-Nigeria is not just a label — it’s a statement of confidence, capacity, and ambition.
