Lagos State has officially opened the BACCIMA Trade Fair 2026 with a renewed push for cross-border trade, regional investment, and stronger business partnerships across Nigeria, West Africa, and the African continent.
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The 10-day trade fair, organised by the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), opened at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway and brought together businesses, investors, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, described the fair as a strategic platform for strengthening Badagry’s role in regional and international trade.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Commercial, Segun Alugba, the Commissioner said the 2026 edition themed, “Trading Without Borders: Empowering Business for Regional and Global Markets,” reflects the Lagos State Government’s broader economic agenda focused on trade facilitation, enterprise growth, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
According to her, Badagry remains one of Lagos’ biggest advantages in connecting Nigeria to neighbouring West African countries and expanding opportunities under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Badagry’s strategic border location gives Lagos a unique advantage in connecting Nigeria to the West African sub-region and positioning the State to maximise opportunities under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she said.
Mrs. Ambrose-Medebem noted that AfCFTA presents businesses with access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people across Africa, making regional trade and partnerships increasingly important for SMEs and growing enterprises in Lagos.
She also commended BACCIMA for sustaining the trade fair over the years, stressing that such platforms help businesses gain visibility, attract partnerships, and expand beyond local markets.
“Trade fairs create access, connect businesses, and provide SMEs with the exposure needed to grow beyond their immediate markets,” she stated.
The Commissioner further assured exhibitors and business owners of the Lagos State Government’s continued support for enterprise development and investment growth. She encouraged participants to take advantage of the fair by promoting their products, building networks, and securing partnerships capable of expanding their businesses into regional and international markets.
In his welcome address, BACCIMA President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, described the fair as an important meeting point for stakeholders across different sectors of the economy.
He said the event was designed to bring together businesses, investors, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners to collaborate and unlock new business opportunities.
The BACCIMA Trade Fair 2026 is expected to drive conversations around regional commerce, SME expansion, export opportunities, and cross-border investment as Lagos continues positioning itself as a major commercial gateway in West Africa.
