Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the success of the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair demonstrates that the Gateway State is open and ready for responsible investments.
Abiodun made this known at the closing ceremony of the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair held at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the theme of this year’s fair, “Building Businesses Through Partnership,” further projected Ogun as Nigeria’s industrial hub and a preferred destination for investors. He assured both local and foreign investors of policy consistency and protection of their investments.
“The Gateway International Trade Fair is more than an annual event; it is a statement of intent. It signals that Ogun State is open, ready and prepared for responsible investment. In Ogun State, we are not waiting for economic transformation; we are deliberately building it,” he said.
“To our investors and business community, let me assure you that policy consistency, regulatory transparency, infrastructure expansion and investment protection remain central to our philosophy. We are committed to sustaining a business-friendly environment that rewards innovation, productivity and ethical enterprise,” he added.
The governor noted that his administration has been intentional in driving economic growth since inception, stressing that the ISEYA Agenda has positioned Ogun as the preferred manufacturing and logistics hub in Nigeria.
He pledged that the government would continue to strengthen industrial competitiveness, expand export potential, deepen the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in value chains and leverage technology to drive productivity across all sectors.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said the trade fair showcased Ogun as Nigeria’s industrial hub and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses of all sizes.
He disclosed that Ogun State moved to fifth position in the latest Ease of Doing Business ranking released by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), expressing optimism that the state would rank among the top two next year.
In his welcome address, the President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Lion Niyi Osiyemi, described the fair as a period of vibrant commercial activities, strategic networking and meaningful partnerships with impressive participation.
He urged participants to ensure that partnerships formed during the event translate into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth. He also appreciated the Abiodun administration for its consistent support, announcing that the 2027 edition of the trade fair would hold from January 29 to February 7.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Madam Olajumoke Abolaji, revealed that Ogun recorded $500 million in non-oil exports in 2025, representing a 68 percent increase over the 2024 figure. She projected that the state’s non-oil exports would grow by at least 50 percent next year.
Some exhibitors, including Mrs. Ruqayat Dairo and Mr. Samson Adeniyi, who have participated in the trade fair for five years, said this year’s edition recorded the highest level of patronage so far. They suggested that improved publicity could further enhance participation in subsequent editions.
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