ECOWAS Hits 50, Dey Push Regional Trade And Innovation For Lagos Fair

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) don reaffirm commitment to regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment as dem mark 50th anniversary for Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF). Di event wey theme na “Driving Regional Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Investment” feature official opening of ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition (ECOTIFE), flagship initiative to boost economic cooperation among West African countries. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dey represented by Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, declare event open for Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. Lagos State Government dey represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem. Dignitaries wey dey present include AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray (represented by Dr. Kalilou Sylla), ECOWAS Commissioners, Member State reps, and diplomatic corps members. Touray talk say forum na major milestone for West Africa economic integration, yarn say ECOTIFE na platform wey dey connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities wey pass borders, and e dey celebrate West Africa resilience and creativity.

ECOWAS Commission Director of Trade, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, talk say initiative dey align with strategic goal to boost intra-regional trade and investment, yarn say trade facilitation and investment promotion dey central to ECOWAS economic integration, and ECOTIFE go strengthen regional value chains and position West Africa as competitive investment destination. Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by LCCI, na one of sub-Saharan Africa largest business exhibitions, dey attract over 1,600 exhibitors and 500,000 visitors yearly, supported by Federal and Lagos State Governments, and dey provide platform for business networking, investment promotion, and private-sector collaboration. ECOTIFE 2025 feature exhibitions and fashion showcases wey highlight innovation, regional value chains, and creative potential of West Africa economy. Participants go include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO DG), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor (EBID President), Mr. Jean Bakole (UNIDO Regional Director), and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Nigeria Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment).