Lagos assures LCCI of a more befitting exhibition centre

The Lagos State Government has assured the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organisers of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair, that it would provide a standard  convention and exhibition centre, that would enhance the status of the annual fair.

Speaking at the closing session of this year’s edition  of the fair, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, expressed regrets that that the chamber was being faced with the  challenge of not having a purpose-built  world-standard exhibition facilities, where it could hold the Fair.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Idiat Adebule, assured that the state government would in no time provide such facilities to alleviate so as to raise the standards of the exhibition.

“Our government is already looking in that direction and making concerted efforts towards delivering a standard International convention and exhibition centre in the state.

“In the same vein, we shall continue to place high priority on the provision of key infrastructure that would make our state safe, secure, functional and productive through a highly motivated and vibrant private-sector,” he assured.

He applauded the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for staging a successful and high profile Fair, noting that the chamber had, over the years, carved a niche in the organization of high-quality trade fairs and exhibitions in the state.

In her remarks, LCCI President, Dr Nike Akande charged governments at all levels to address the numerous impediments to investment in the country, especially those relating to infrastructures, policy framework, quality of institutions and funding.

“There is the need to do this in order to harness the enterprising resource of domestic and foreign investors for the diversification of our economy and the welfare of our people,” she stated.

The LCCI boss also reiterated the request for a permanent facility for the hosting of the fair in Lagos, noting that exhibitors are faced annually with the challenge of construction of temporary structures and rental of tents for the fair.

“Most of the structures would be demolished or removed immediately after the fair. The cost to us is horrendous because we have to provide virtually all the facilities from generators to mobile toilets and hence we seek your intervention in this respect,” she pleaded.