Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the Lagos Shopping Festival, a three-day celebration of commerce and culture, slated to run from December 23rd to 25th at the iconic Onikan Stadium. Designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization, the festival promises to bolster local businesses, create employment opportunities, and elevate Lagos’s standing as a premier destination for trade and tourism.
During the unveiling ceremony for the festival’s symbol, Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke passionately about the ambition behind the initiative. “Lagos is home to audacious thinkers and bold dreamers,” he remarked. Drawing inspiration from global counterparts like Dubai, which celebrates the 30th edition of its annual Dubai Shopping Festival this year, he expressed confidence in Lagos’s potential to join the ranks of cities renowned for their retail and cultural festivals.
Beyond being a platform for shopping, the festival serves as a deliberate economic strategy to invigorate commerce and inspire growth across multiple sectors. “This initiative will fuel commerce by promoting local entrepreneurs while attracting international brands,” Sanwo-Olu explained. “From logistics to entertainment and event planning, this festival will generate significant direct and indirect employment, driving growth across various industries.”
The Lagos Shopping Festival is a collaboration between the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts and private sector partners like Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Chain Reactions Africa. Aimed at attracting international tourists and the Nigerian Diaspora, the festival strives to showcase Lagos as a safe and vibrant global hub for leisure and business.
“Safety is our priority, and this December, Lagos will showcase itself as a secure and exciting city for all,” the governor assured. He added that the festival would rival similar global events, enhancing the state’s reputation as a commercial and cultural hub.
Festival Director for Organization and Logistics, Ms. Damilola Pedro, described the initiative as a transformative project for Lagos. She praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision, declaring the festival one of his enduring legacies. “This is not just an event; it’s a milestone that will boost the state’s economy and inspire local entrepreneurs,” she noted.
Ms. Pedro shared plans to integrate small-scale businesses into the event, offering them a unique platform to showcase their products. “We’re creating an inclusive marketplace where people can buy high-quality goods at discounted rates while enjoying the festive atmosphere,” she stated, emphasizing the festival’s dual focus on commerce and entertainment.
The Lagos Shopping Festival builds on the success of a prior trade fair organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, which recorded over ₦5 billion in sales within three days. With such promising foundations, the larger-scale shopping festival is poised to generate even greater economic impact, further reinforcing Lagos’s role as a leading commercial powerhouse in Africa.
