The Lagos State Government has tasked its Export Promotion Committee to accelerate strategies and strengthen stakeholder collaboration to position Lagos as Nigeria's and Africa's leading hub for non-oil exports.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, issued the charge during the committee's meeting held at the Ministry on Thursday.
He described the gathering as a critical platform to map out bold, actionable steps for diversifying the State's economy by tapping opportunities in coconut, fisheries, vegetables, and other MSME-driven products where Lagos enjoys strong comparative advantage.
Highlighting key achievements, Aina noted Lagos' milestone in December 2024 with the commencement of coconut exports to Dubai, a move that showcased the competitiveness of locally processed goods in global markets.
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He reaffirmed government support for MSMEs through subsidised industrial workplaces, capacity-building, innovation promotion, and improved access to finance via the N10 billion LASMECO programme, while linking entrepreneurs to international buyers.
Representatives of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Lagos State Police Command pledged joint training, improved stakeholder communication, and checkpoint coordination to prevent delays and spoilage of export goods. The committee also agreed to hold quarterly meetings to sustain dialogue and action.
The Lagos State Government shared this update on its official X handle, reiterating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's commitment to progressive policies and strong PPPs under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda to make Lagos Africa's foremost non-oil export hub.
