Nigeria, Tanzania renew trade relations

Sanwo-Olu offers digital space
Tanzania’s High Commission in Nigeria has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and trade ties with Nigeria and other West African nations.

The Commission spoke at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, which ended on Sunday, at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.

According to Tanzania’s Economic Affairs Officer, Edna Obinyan Sylvester, representing the Acting High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in Nigeria, Judica Nagunwa, the High Commission participates in international trade fairs as part of its economic diplomacy efforts.

During the fair, Judica stated: “We are here exhibiting Tanzania’s products, including coffee, tea, spices, wine, and leather goods. We aim to connect with potential importers to explore possibilities of importing these products from Tanzania.”

She added that the initiative aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols, facilitating intra-African trade.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration is committed to building a digital space that will promote economic development at all levels.

Sanwo-Olu stated this, yesterday, at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI).

The governor also promised an enabling environment, powered by a digital-friendly economy, to open more paths for commercial activities.

He stated that the state remained a city where innovation and resilience meet, noting that the theme for this year’s fair, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” aligned with Lagos State’s vision to foster partnerships, drive innovation, and build an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.

“At the start of our administration, we recognised both the privilege and responsibility of leading a state with such vibrancy, a state of over 20 million people, a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, and Africa’s fifth-largest economy. Guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S+Development Agenda, we set out to transform Lagos into a true megacity, one that competes globally and nurtures an ecosystem for growth and prosperity.

“By advancing partnerships with tech hubs, offering incentives for digital startups, and fostering a tech-driven environment, we are positioning Lagos as a preferred destination for innovative solutions. Recognising our strategic role within Africa, we have also established the Lagos State Technical Working Group on AfCFTA to prepare our businesses to leverage the trade benefits within Africa.”

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the fair underscored the commitment of the state government in equipping and enhancing business partnership with the private sector, thereby leveraging technology to position Lagos as a gateway to Nigerian and African markets.

In his remarks, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mr Benson Idahosa, appreciated Sanwo-Olu for creating an ambiance that allowed smooth operations of the year 2024 Trade Fair.

He also thanked participants across Nigeria and Africa for making the fair a success.