The first Lagos International Trade Fair

 

Lagos International Trade Fair: History and Growth

 

Origins (1962):
Nigeria’s first international trade fair was held in 1962, the same year the country launched its inaugural National Development Plan. The event took place at the Exhibition Centre on Victoria Island, a site now occupied by Bonny Camp.

Development of a Permanent Venue (1970s–1977):
To establish a dedicated hub for global trade, the Nigerian government began constructing the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in the 1970s. The complex was officially opened in 1977, coinciding with the first Lagos International Trade Fair it was built to host. Its purpose was to serve as a central hub for international commerce and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a trade leader along the West African coast.

Annual Event and Organization:
Since then, the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), organized annually by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has become one of the country’s most significant economic gatherings.

Economic and Regional Significance:
The fair has evolved into the largest business marketplace in the ECOWAS sub-region and the biggest trade exhibition in sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as a vital platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and investors to network, showcase products and services, and explore business opportunities across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Global Reach:
Beyond its local impact, the fair attracts entrepreneurs, companies, and investors from across the world, reinforcing Lagos’ status as a hub for international trade and investment.