The Lagos State Government, in partnership with key private-sector players, has unveiled plans for the first-ever Lagos Shopping Festival, scheduled to take place from December 23 to 25, 2024, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the initiative while unveiling the festival’s symbol at the Lagos House in Ikeja. He described the event as a catalyst for job creation and a boost to Lagos’ economy, emphasizing its potential to empower local businesses, attract international brands, and create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
“We are a city of audacious people who dream big and think big. By this December, Lagos will join global cities like Istanbul and Dubai with its own dedicated shopping festival. This initiative will drive commerce, support local businesses, and attract global brands, positioning Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor highlighted that a trial trade fair in April, organized by the state’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, had already demonstrated the concept’s viability. That event saw 245 vendors record over ₦5 billion in sales in just three days, a promising indicator of the shopping festival’s potential impact.
The festival is a collaborative effort involving Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Chain Reactions Africa. According to Ms. Damilola Pedro, Director of Organisation and Logistics, the event will also provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products at discounted rates.
“Mr. Governor, this project is your legacy. The Lagos Shopping Festival places us alongside other global cities like Dubai and Singapore. It’s an opportunity for local businesses to thrive and for citizens to enjoy the festive season with high-value discounts,” Pedro remarked.
Beyond shopping, the festival aims to attract tourists, including the Nigerian diaspora, positioning Lagos as a safe and vibrant destination for the holidays. Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the festival’s role as an economic tool to stimulate commerce and tourism while providing a platform for cultural and social interaction.
Special Adviser on Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Idris Aregbe, also noted the festival’s expanded scope compared to earlier trade fairs, promising a more impactful event.
With just weeks to go, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark event in Lagos’ efforts to cement its status as a global hub for commerce and tourism.
