Lagos Trade Fair Targets ₦5B, NCAA Warns Airlines, and Southeast Rail Upgrade Gains Traction
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Lagos Trade Fair targets ₦5B in sales, expands exhibitor and visitor programs
- NCAA puts airlines on notice over traveler mistreatment
- Southeast Nigeria rail upgrade prepares region for economic lift
Lagos Trade Fair 2025: ₦5 Billion in Sales Expected
Lagos is preparing for its second NBC Tourism Trade Fair, returning from April 11th to 13th, 2025, at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. This year’s fair sets an ambitious target of ₦5 billion in sales, aiming to draw over 75,000 visitors and 220 vendors. The partnership between NBC and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture underscores a shared commitment to boost local enterprise while strengthening Lagos’ economic foundation.
The Trade Fair is more than a sales platform — it’s a space for cultural connection and SME empowerment. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, emphasized the fair’s role in job creation and poverty reduction, aligning with Lagos’ broader goal of a more inclusive economy. NBC CEO Nelly Agbogu reaffirmed the city’s critical role in regional business growth and the fair’s value in offering expansion and networking opportunities for small businesses.
The 2025 edition brings expanded offerings, including masterclasses, practical workshops, financial inclusion programs, and appearances from influencers and cultural performers. Organizers are refining crowd favorites like Sanwo-Naira and Lagos Corner to enhance the vendor and attendee experience. With its vibrant mix of commerce, learning, and entertainment, the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair is shaping into a key event for anyone invested in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Cracks Down on Airline Deportations
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong warning to international airlines over the mistreatment of Nigerian travelers. Airlines are facing increased scrutiny for denying Nigerians boarding or deporting them mid-flight due to visa and entry issues that were not properly communicated during ticket purchase. The NCAA, prompted by a high volume of complaints, emphasizes that it is a legal requirement under Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 19.21.1.1) for airlines and their agents to inform passengers of entry restrictions before travel.
Enforcement will be firm. Airlines failing to comply with these rules could face fines, flight suspensions, or other penalties. This move is part of a broader effort by the NCAA to protect the rights of Nigerian travelers and uphold the country’s aviation integrity. It’s also a clear message to international carriers to improve transparency and passenger communication.
For the MICE industry, this shift demands attention. Event planners must take extra care when organizing international events involving Nigerian attendees. Verifying visa conditions and travel restrictions early in the planning process is crucial. Choosing airlines with a demonstrated commitment to accurate information and respect for travelers’ rights can help avoid disruptions and maintain the professionalism expected in the meetings industry.
Nigeria’s Airport Cargo Agents Demand Better Infrastructure
Nigeria’s airport cargo agents are raising the alarm over poor infrastructure at the nation’s airports and are urging the Federal Government to take decisive action. The Domestic Airport Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) highlights a system stretched thin—handling between 70 and 80 tons of cargo weekly—without basic tools like adequate storage, cold rooms, weighing scales, or functioning screening machines.
Sir John Ekeanya, Chairman of DACAA’s Board of Trustees, and the association’s new president, Mr. Godwin Obasuyi, both stress the plight of cargo agents operating without a permanent workspace. They argue that such conditions hinder efficient operations and undervalue the significant role cargo delivery plays in Nigeria’s economy.
DACAA is calling on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other stakeholders to acknowledge their contribution, not just in moving goods, but also in creating jobs and generating port-related revenue. The association believes investment in proper infrastructure is essential to unlock the full potential of the cargo and logistics sector.
Southeast Nigeria Rail Overhaul: A $200 Billion Economic Boost?
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and South East Development Commission (SEDC) have joined hands to overhaul railway infrastructure in Southeast Nigeria. Their partnership targets the modernization of over 1,000 kilometers of rail lines, aiming to reconnect cities and reduce logistics costs. According to NRC CEO Dr. Kayode Opeifa, an efficient rail system is essential for cutting transport expenses, boosting productivity, and unlocking national economic advantages.
SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoye shared a broader vision of transforming the region into Nigeria’s premier investment destination by 2030. Backed by strategic alignment with national agendas and UNIDO benchmarks, the plan targets a fivefold increase in regional GDP—from $40 billion to $200 billion. Infrastructure development, including rail, is key to attracting private investment and driving growth across agriculture, technology, industry, and tourism.
The collaboration goes beyond transportation. It aims to establish policy consistency across the region’s five states and create a dedicated investment fund to support long-term development. The joint efforts of NRC and SEDC reflect a commitment to building a stronger economic foundation, improving mobility, and creating opportunities that directly impact the lives and prosperity of communities in the Southeast.
That’s it for today.