The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive business environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), describing the sector as a major catalyst for economic growth, job creation and sustainable wealth generation.

The assurance was given on Thursday during the inauguration of the three-day Access to Market Fair, tagged “Lagos on Display,” organised by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) under the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja.

The fair, which features about 300 entrepreneurs, offers participants opportunities to showcase their products and services while accessing business support initiatives such as on-the-spot loan applications, enrolment into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (Ilera Eko), product exhibitions and discounted sales aimed at expanding market opportunities for local businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, represented by the ministry’s Director of Employment, Shitta Demilola, said the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can unlock their full potential and build sustainable businesses.

According to him, the ministry remains focused on designing and implementing policies that promote employment generation, enterprise development, skills acquisition and sustainable wealth creation across Lagos State.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund has so far disbursed more than ₦15 billion to over 10,000 businesses, describing the intervention as a demonstration of the government’s sustained investment in strengthening the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ajigbotafe noted that the Access to Market initiative goes beyond financial support by providing businesses with a sustainable pathway from production to visibility, increased patronage and long-term growth.

“The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programmes that promote employment generation, enterprise development, skills development and sustainable wealth creation for the people of Lagos State.

“Our mandate is to create an enabling environment where individuals and businesses can thrive while expanding the economic opportunities that drive the continued growth and prosperity of Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is a key agency established to advance this mandate. Today, we are pleased to introduce another important milestone in that journey, Access to Market, an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Lagos State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating sustainable pathways for business growth,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisara Alayande, represented by the Director of Programmes, Ms. Oyindamola Egbeyemi, said the fair was conceived to showcase the innovation, diversity and quality of products and services developed by Lagos-based entrepreneurs.

She urged residents to support locally made products, noting that increased patronage would strengthen businesses, stimulate economic activities and create more employment opportunities across the state.

“We appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating the opportunity for LSETF and the ministry to continue supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, which remain the drivers of the state’s economy.

“This is a market stimulation initiative because we recognise that it is not enough to provide loans. Businesses also need access to markets. Lagos is the best market in the world, and we want entrepreneurs to start in Lagos and grow beyond the state,” she said.

In her goodwill message, the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s business environment.

She pledged that the Assembly would continue working with the executive arm to build an ecosystem where innovation is rewarded, enterprise is encouraged and promising businesses are provided with every opportunity to succeed.