Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed the nomination of Lagos as host city of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).The state was nominated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, as host city of IATF. The development marks a historic moment for the country and the West African sub-region.
Responding to the announcement in Algiers, in a statement yesterday, Sanwo-Olu said the choice of Lagos underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.
According to the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, the news of hosting IATF – the continent’s premier trade and investment event, held every two years to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA – is a proud moment for Lagos and Nigeria.
The opportunity is a strategic milestone for Nigeria and West Africa in boosting continental trade integration, she noted.
SIMILARLY, National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Jani Ibrahim, has hailed the Federal Government and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the announcement.
He noted that the landmark development is not just a national honour but a continental responsibility, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Also applauding the selection of Lagos as host city, the Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, said the announcement presents a historic opportunity for Nigeria.
She noted that this would expand the country’s export potential, attract both foreign and local investments, and create significant opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, she said, the fair will stimulate growth across tourism, hospitality and allied industries.
