‘Lagos committed to ensuring ease of doing business’

By Oyebola Owolabi

Lagos State government has reassured Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs), especially youth entrepreneurs, of its commitment to ensuring ease of doing business in the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, restated this at the opening of the Lagos Tourism/Naija Brand Chick (NBC) Trade Fair in Ikeja. He reiterated that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to harnessing the state’s tourism and entertainment potential and grow the economy through collaborations with the private sector.

According to Aregbe, the state is targeting N5 billion sales at the end of the three-day fair. He also described the partnership with other sponsors as a huge success for MSMEs in the state.

He said: “This is about growing our economy; it is about expanding the scope of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, so people can know that we are not just about music, arts and dance. We are now in a serious business, and that is the why we agreed to go on this strategic alliance to identify with key partners and brands so we can complement them.”

Convener of NBC Tradefair, Mrs. Nelly Agbogu, thanked the government for supporting MSMEs. She expressed excitement that traders at the fair were cashing out in millions despite the economic meltdown.

Some customers lauded the initiative, noting that goods and services at the Tradefair were sold at subsidised prices.

The Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade, lauded government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Princess Kolade assured traders that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would continue to work in tandem with its Renewed Hope Agenda to address the myriad economic challenges.

She noted that though the government’s economic policies may be harsh at the moment, there is hope of a better Nigeria after the reforms.