The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with Naija Brand Chick, is set to host the highly anticipated second edition of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair, taking place from April 11 to 13 at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
In the build-up to this signature event, a strategic vendor engagement session was recently held to inform, equip, and energize participating small and medium-scale businesses. The initiative reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of tourism and the creative economy to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across Lagos.
Speaking at the session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe reiterated the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s dedication to empowering SMEs through forward-thinking platforms that merge innovation with opportunity.
He stated that the initiative goes beyond entertainment, focusing on value creation, boosting trade, and empowering local businesses to scale sustainably.
According to him, the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair is a testament to the belief that tourism and commerce are two sides of the same coin, capable of unlocking the full economic potential of Lagos.
Mr. Aregbe also reflected on the impact of previous editions, sharing success stories, including a vendor who sold over 500 plates of Jollof rice in just three days. He noted that some vendors achieved in three days what they hadn’t been able to in six months, underscoring the transformative power of the platform.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lagos.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, emphasised the importance of professionalism and excellence.
He described the trade fair as a global showcase of the Lagos entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging vendors to be intentional about product quality, packaging, and customer service. He noted that the goal is to build businesses that will evolve from tens of orders to thousands.
Convener of the fair, Mrs. Nelly Agbogu, popularly known as Naija Brand Chick, highlighted the journey and growing influence of the initiative. She explained that the platform was launched in 2018 to bridge the visibility gap for entrepreneurs and has since expanded to 22 states across Nigeria, as well as international cities like London, Houston, and Accra. She reaffirmed that Lagos remains the commercial heartbeat of the project and that the fair is about more than sales – it is about creating global pathways for homegrown brands.
Mrs. Agbogu also shared the fair’s ambitious post-event goals, revealing that the target is for participating businesses to collectively generate over ₦500 million in sales and leads during the three-day event. She added that the aim is also to increase brand visibility and customer retention for at least 70% of vendors through strategic exposure and networking.
In her words, “During the vendor strategy session, participants outlined creative plans to stand out at the fair. From flash sales to curated bundles and giveaways, vendors are gearing up to offer Lagosians unbeatable deals and memorable experiences. Some emphasised the use of engaging digital content and promotional skits to drive traffic and connect audiences to their products”.
With hundreds of curated vendors, live music, interactive brand showcases, and family-friendly experiences, the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair promises to be a standout event on the city’s 2025 calendar.
Lagosians and visitors alike are invited to come experience the very best of Nigerian enterprise, culture, and creativity – all under one roof.
