LCCI targets one million visitors at 2025 Lagos Trade Fair

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has officially flagged off preparations for the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), promising a bigger, better, and more inclusive edition of the annual business showcase.

Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Lagos, the Vice President and Chairman of the Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore, described the fair as “Africa’s biggest marketplace for trade and investment,” stressing its role in boosting local and international commerce.

“On behalf of the Trade Promotion Board of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), I am delighted to welcome you to this important media event to herald the long-awaited 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair,” Olashore said.

The 39th edition of the Fair will take place from Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, under the theme “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.”

Olashore confirmed that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, will grace the occasion as Special Guest, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the Fair open.

According to Olashore, major organizations such as UBA Plc, Dangote Industries Limited, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Leadway Assurance, JETRO, Tolaram Group, and Lifemate Nigeria are among the confirmed sponsors and partners. Government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), will also participate.

“We are happy to work with all the stakeholders towards hosting the best trade fair in Africa this year,” he said.

LCCI revealed that over 2,000 exhibitors are expected, with an estimated one million visitors projected during the 10-day fair. “Historically, LITF records an average of 350,000 visitors for the 10-day period… this year, with our social media campaign that began in April, we are targeting one million visitors,” Olashore noted.

The 2025 LITF will feature several specialized exhibitions, including the Africa Hall Project, which showcases intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and the LITF Tech Hub, a platform for start-ups and ICT innovators.

Olashore also announced a landmark collaboration with ECOWAS to mark the regional body’s 50th anniversary. “As ECOWAS marks its 50th Anniversary here at LITF, the occasion presents a unique opportunity to celebrate regional integration, economic progress, and the promise of a shared future,” he said.

Other highlights include:
Chinese Exhibitions across textiles, automotive, hardware, and energy, facilitated by the United Asia Exhibition Company.

The African International Chocolate Show Lagos (Nov. 8–9) to promote cocoa trade and sustainability.

The International Paper Publishing and Printing Expo (IPPPEX) (Nov. 11–13).

A Children’s Corner, supported by Tolaram Group, offering games and learning activities.

A Food Court sponsored by Flour Mills of Nigeria, with competitions and diverse African cuisines.

The Japanese Hall, powered by JETRO, spotlighting pop culture and entertainment partnerships.

Friday, November 14, has been designated “Black Friday of the Fair” with a strong focus on women and celebrity engagements.

Olashore emphasized inclusivity, announcing that entry into the Fair will be free for all visitors. “We are glad to reiterate that there will be FREE ENTRY for the 10 days of the Fair for all our exhibitors and visitors,” he said, assuring that security measures will be top-notch.

He concluded by acknowledging the efforts of the Trade Promotion Board, LCCI staff, and media partners, expressing optimism that the 2025 LITF would be “another successful and impactful trade fair.”

“It is my sincere hope and expectation that on Sunday, November 16—when the fair is declared closed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu—we shall all proclaim the 2025 LITF as yet another successful and impactful trade fair,” Olashore said.