Nigeria: 2026 Lagos Trade Fair - We're Poised to Turn Stability Into Prosperity - Tinubu

What the report says

President Bola Tinubu used the opening of the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos to set out what he sees as Nigeria’s next economic task: turning recent stabilization measures into broader prosperity through enterprise, manufacturing and trade. According to Vanguard’s report distributed by AllAfrica, Tinubu spoke at Tafawa Balewa Square through the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh.

He said the federal government had made progress in calming the economy and should now focus on boosting production, jobs and business activity. Tinubu described the current phase as one in which the country must move from emergency management to building lasting growth, with local enterprise at the center of that effort.

The president pointed to several indicators he said showed improvement, including stronger external reserves, lower inflation and economic growth in the second quarter of 2026. He also cited rising non-oil exports and capital inflows, and argued that domestic production and value addition should matter more than reliance on imports. He linked this approach to the National Industrial Policy, which he said is intended to strengthen manufacturing and local supply chains.

Tinubu also said the industry and trade ministry had supported more than 115,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in 2025. He welcomed exhibitors from more than 20 countries and noted that Nigeria is expected to host the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027, a development that could further connect Nigerian firms to regional markets if implementation follows through.