By Adebola Muili
The inaugural Eko International Trade Expo 2026 has opened in Lagos with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to create a more enabling environment for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The five-day expo, organised by Momentum Trading Enterprise, is bringing together entrepreneurs, exhibitors, investors, government representatives, industry leaders and other stakeholders to promote trade, investment, innovation and business development.
The organisers, in a statement, said the expo, themed “Driving Inclusive Growth and Investment Opportunity Through Trade and Innovation,” was designed to enable businesses to showcase their products and services, access new markets, attract investment and build strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Project Lead of the Eko International Trade Expo, Henry Anwansedo, said the initiative was partly inspired by his participation in a 2019 programme in Japan focused on improving access to finance and markets for SMEs.
According to him, the experience reinforced the need for Nigerian businesses to have platforms through which they can access finance, information, markets and potential investors.
“We are creating a platform for SMEs to thrive, a platform for SMEs to interact, a platform for SMEs to scale up their business,” Anwansedo said.
He called for sustained reforms to make it easier for businesses to operate, stressing that the effectiveness of such reforms should ultimately be measured by the everyday experiences of entrepreneurs.
Anwansedo said government agencies needed to improve coordination, while digital processes, regulatory transparency, logistics, infrastructure and access to finance should receive greater attention.
He added that entrepreneurs should be able to register businesses, secure permits, understand tax obligations, move goods and access essential services without unnecessary delays or uncertainty.
The Project Lead also emphasised the willingness of the private sector to work with government in strengthening the nation’s economy.
“The private sector is ready to partner with governments. We are not asking governments to do business for us. We are asking governments to create an environment in which businesses can do business successfully,” he said.
He urged exhibitors to use the expo not merely as an avenue to display their products but also to establish business relationships, explore new markets, identify investment opportunities and develop lasting partnerships.
In a goodwill message, Executive Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Dr.) Agbaje Lukmon Abiodun, commended the organisers, saying initiatives that strengthen local businesses and expand market opportunities were important to sustainable development.
Abiodun said entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and young people needed greater opportunities to participate in economic activities and build sustainable enterprises.
Representing the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Hon. Thobun Mustanu Abiodun also commended the organisers, exhibitors, partners and the Lagos State Government for supporting the expo.
He described Lagos as a major commercial gateway and urged participants to use the platform to promote trade, innovation and entrepreneurship while maintaining integrity in their dealings.
“Let profits never erase our values,” he said, urging participants to “build bridges, not just businesses.”
The Special Guest at the event, Elder Andrew Okunuga, encouraged entrepreneurs, particularly young people, to embrace networking, cooperation and self-reliance.
Okunuga said government could not provide every solution required for businesses to succeed, urging entrepreneurs to work together to create opportunities.
“We cannot wait for government to do everything. It is not possible,” he said.
The organisers said the inaugural expo marked the beginning of a long-term effort to establish the Eko International Trade Expo as a major platform for trade, investment, innovation and economic collaboration in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.
The expo is expected to facilitate interaction among businesses, investors, partners and customers while providing a platform for discussions on challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s business environment.
Anwansedo said the organisers envisioned trade as extending beyond transactions to include partnerships, investment, innovation and opportunities for enterprises of different sizes.
“Lagos creates an environment where ideas can become enterprise. Enterprise can become industry. Industry can create job prosperity,” he said.
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