Lagos unveils Access to Market initiative to boost MSMEs

MSMEs,

The Lagos State Government on Thursday inaugurated Access to Market initiative, aimed at connecting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with buyers, distributors and strategic partners to accelerate business growth and job creation.

The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajibotafe, during the occasion said that the initiative would bridge the market access gap confronting many entrepreneurs, after receiving training and financial support.

According to Ajigbotafe, the programme, being implemented by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), underscored the state’s commitment to building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

“Access to Market represents the next phase of our journey. Empowering entrepreneurs does not end with training or financing. It extends to creating opportunities that enable businesses to compete, expand and prosper,” he said.

He said the ministry remained committed to creating an enabling environment that would promote employment generation, enterprise development, skills acquisition and sustainable wealth creation across the state.

According to him, LSETF had over the last 10 years disbursed more than N15 billion, through 20,000 loans, created over 320,000 jobs, trained 30,000 young people and maintained a 94.53 per cent loan repayment rate.

“These are audited outcomes that reflect 10 years of disciplined governance, strategic investment and institutional accountability.

“Our success is measured not only by the number of businesses we support, but by those that grow into sustainable enterprises and create jobs,” he added.

The commissioner also said that LSETF had supported more than 82,000 businesses through capacity-building programmes, advisory services and business development initiatives designed to strengthen MSMEs.

He, however, noted that many entrepreneurs still struggled to convert acquired skills into commercial success because of limited access to markets.

“An entrepreneur may know how to package, price and market a product effectively, but without access to customers and commercial opportunities, that knowledge cannot translate into sustainable business success.

“Access to Market is designed to close that gap,” he said.

Ajigbotafe also said the initiative would connect entrepreneurs with genuine commercial opportunities through structured trade fairs, exhibitions and curated marketplace events across Lagos.

He explained that the programme was built on three pillars of showcase, connect and grow, which provide businesses with visibility, direct engagement with buyers and long-term opportunities for expansion.

The commissioner said the flagship exhibition, “”Lagos on Display 2026”, would hold from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 at JJT Park, which would bring together 300 MSMEs from across the state to showcase innovative products and services.

“This initiative is about more than exhibition space. It is about connecting production to visibility, visibility to sales, and sales to long-term business growth,” the commissioner added.

Ajigbotafe said the exhibition would also provide many digital entrepreneurs, who had built successful businesses through social platforms to engage with their customers in a physical marketplace.

“Many of these entrepreneurs have built thriving businesses online without ever meeting their customers physically.

“Lagos on Display will gives them an opportunity to showcase their brands, build relationships and expand into new commercial opportunities,” he said.

He called on entrepreneurs to take advantage of the initiative to increase visibility, expand business networks and unlock new growth opportunities.

Ajigbotafe also urged the media to continue to support governmen’s efforts by promoting initiatives that connect entrepreneurs with customers, investors and collaborators.

“Your coverage does more than raise awareness; it connects businesses with opportunities.

“In many ways, the media are partners in expanding market access for the entrepreneurs we serve,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and LSETF commitment to continue to create an enabling ecosystem where innovation thrive, enterprises flourish and prosperity widely shared.

He urged Lagos residents and members of the business community to participate in the three-day exhibition, celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of entrepreneurs across the state.

Earlier, Ms Oyindamola Egbeyemi Director of Programmes LSETF urged residents and stakeholders to key into the initiative, (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)