The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on local and international investors to partner Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state to scale up their products and services in order to break into the African Continental Free Trade Area and the global market.
The governor asserted that with the collaboration, there will be a reasonable return on investment for small businesses in Lagos and Nigeria.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 8th Lagos MSMEs Exclusive Trade Fair held at the Y-Arena Awolowo Road, Ikoyi at the weekend, Sanwo-Olu noted that the Fair was a marketing platform to promote the products and services of entrepreneurs in the state at no cost.
Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the governor acknowledged the contribution of the sector as a catalyst of a viable economy, stressing that the state will continue to promote various range of products and services that are made in Lagos through the sector.
”MSMEs remain a major factor in creating employment and wealth, generating income, improving standard of living and enabling investment opportunities for profit. Your developmental role is not only significant but highly commendable.
“This is why I must draw the attention of investors to take advantage of the opportunities in this sector in order to grow the economy of the state.
“I must emphasise that we have obtained many feedback from this Fair. These will help the state government greatly in planning for future events and improving on our service delivery towards making Lagos a 21st century economy.