The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the entrepreneurial community Naija Brand Chick, has announced the mainland edition of the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair. The event follows the success of the Island edition held in April, which recorded over ₦1 billion in sales. The second leg is scheduled to take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Whitestone Event Centre, Ikeja.
Speaking on the upcoming edition, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said the fair reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building a people-driven creative economy that connects innovation, trade, and culture across the state’s five divisions. He noted that the initiative aligns with Lagos’ vision of promoting commerce and tourism while strengthening small businesses.
Aregbe explained that the event is part of the ongoing “101 Days in Lagos” Tourism and Culture Calendar, a series of entertainment-led activities aimed at boosting commerce, tourism, and citizen engagement across the state. He said, “We are deliberately leveraging entertainment to drive trade, inspired by the spirit of old Lagos, when markets came alive with music, performances, and community energy. Our goal this time is to empower between 100 and 150 vendors and help them achieve ₦5 billion in cumulative sales within three days. It’s ambitious, but we’ve put in the work to make it achievable.”
He further stated that months of strategic planning, vendor selection, and marketing coordination have gone into preparing for the fair, assuring exhibitors of seamless logistics, enhanced visibility, and full support. “Our vendors have nothing to worry about except bringing their A-game. The state, in collaboration with Naija Brand Chick, has built the framework, they only need to complement our efforts with creativity and strong marketing. The Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair is a movement where entertainment powers commerce, and Lagos creativity fuels economic growth,” he added.
Aregbe also assured Lagosians that prices at the fair would remain affordable, emphasizing that the essence of the initiative goes beyond sales. According to him, “It is about access, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Naija Brand Chick, Mrs. Nelly Agbogu, commended the Lagos State Government for co-hosting two editions of its SME-focused initiative within a year, describing it as a model for public–private collaboration in Nigeria. “This initiative is a game-changer that has empowered countless entrepreneurs, boosted visibility for small businesses, and proven that Lagos is intentional about building a thriving SME ecosystem. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to deepen this partnership to unlock even greater opportunities for entrepreneurs. Thanks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr. Idris Aregbe for all they do for Lagos businesses,” Agbogu said.
The Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors, create hundreds of temporary jobs, and serve as a networking hub for entrepreneurs, investors, and small businesses across the state.