Department of Commerce

Driving Commercial Growth and Business Development in Lagos State

Overview

The Department of Commerce is at the forefront of formulating and implementing trade and investment policies that promote sustainable business growth in Lagos State. It provides pragmatic interventions to strengthen commerce, market development, and enterprise growth, while fostering a thriving environment for both local and international businesses. The Department plays a pivotal role in creating structured engagement between government and the private sector, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and driving initiatives that advance Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Core Responsibilities

  • Formulation and execution of trade and investment policies
  • MSME development through capacity-building and access-to-market programmes
  • Coordination of major trade exhibitions and investment promotion events
  • Oversight and support of Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) operating within Lagos
  • Facilitation of auctioneering processes and strategic commercial projects
  • Liaison with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other relevant MDAs on trade promotion and facilitation.

Key Sections Under the Department

MSME Development Section

Supports small businesses through registration facilitation, product readiness, training, and market linkage.

Auctioneering & Special Projects

Handles auction-based activities and manages high-impact commercial initiatives within the State.

Business Facilitation

Engages with stakeholders to ease regulatory processes and enhance the business environment for entrepreneurs.

Trade Promotion Section

Drives Lagos State’s participation in local and international trade fairs while promoting Made-in-Lagos products.

Flagship Activities

  • Lagos MSMEs Exclusive Fair: A dedicated trade fair providing visibility, market access, and public awareness for emerging MSMEs.
  • Lagos Corporate Assembly: A high-level forum hosted by the Governor to promote dialogue between the government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).
  • Lagos State Export Promotion Committee: Hosted by the Department to enhance the export-readiness of local businesses.
  • Lagos State's Participation in the Lagos International Trade Fair: Coordinated annually to showcase local innovation, attract investment, and deepen commercial networks.

Enrolment Requirements for Exhibitors

Businesses intending to participate in State-staged exhibitions and fairs must provide the following:

  • Formal application addressed to the Honourable Commissioner, MCCTI
  • Business Registration Certificate (CAC)
  • LASRRA Identification Certificate
  • Compliance Evidence from NAFDAC and LASCOPA (no expired products allowed)
  • Evidence of PAYE Payment (₦10,100.00)
  • Physical Presentation of Products

Tradename/Trademark Registration Requirements

To register a product tradename or brand with the Ministry, applicants must submit:

  • Registered business name and director’s information
  • Contact details (email, phone, address)
  • List of products and proposed tradename

Processing time: 6–7 weeks

Upon acceptance, businesses proceed to NAFDAC for final registration.

Engagement with Business Membership Organisations (BMOs)

The Department coordinates with BMOs by:

  • Monitoring their activities within the State
  • Ensuring periodic reporting of their programmes and elections
  • Attending BMO elections in an observer capacity