Organisers of the EKO International Trade Expo 2026 have taken their awareness campaign across parts of Lagos Mainland, days before the five-day business exhibition opens in Ikeja.
The two-day roadshow, organised by Momentum Trading Enterprises (MTE), targeted commercial and residential communities as part of efforts to inform businesses, entrepreneurs and members of the public about the event.
The Expo is scheduled for 22 to 26 September 2026 at Eridan-space, also identified by the organisers as the Testing Ground on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja. The organisers say public entry will be free throughout the five-day event. (EKO International Trade Expo)
Roadshow covers major Lagos communities
The first day of the campaign started at Costain before moving through Iponri, Alaka, Surulere, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Maryland, Ojota, Ketu, Mile 12 Under Bridge, Ikosi and Magodo.
The second day began at the proposed Expo venue in Alausa and continued through Ikeja Underbridge, Ogba, Agege, Iyana Dopemu, Berger, Fagba, Ojodu and Oregun before returning to Alausa.
Staff from MTE and members of the Larry Kay Events team took part in the exercise. They engaged residents and businesses along the routes and shared information about the planned exhibition.
The organisers say the campaign aims to widen awareness and attract businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and other potential participants.
What is the Expo about?
The EKO International Trade Expo is being presented as a multi-sector trade exhibition covering areas including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, fashion, beauty and cosmetics, services, creative industries and healthcare.
Its stated theme is “Driving Inclusive Growth and Investment Opportunities through Trade and Innovation.”
The Expo’s official website says the event will include business networking, B2B sessions, product showcases and policy discussions. It also says the organisers expect participation from businesses and investors from Nigeria and international markets. (EKO International Trade Expo)
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An independent event listing also confirms the 22–26 September dates and describes the exhibition as a platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase products and services and connect with potential buyers and investors. However, the listing marks some event details, including its estimated turnout, as unverified. (10Times)
Why the event matters to small businesses
For many SMEs, the practical value of a trade exhibition depends less on the size of the event and more on whether it produces useful contacts, customers, distributors, investors or suppliers.
The organisers say exhibitors will be able to showcase products, meet potential customers, build business connections and explore new markets.
The Expo’s website also lists B2B matchmaking, networking sessions and opportunities for SMEs among its planned activities. (EKO International Trade Expo)
For members of the public, the organisers say the free entry will provide an opportunity to see products and services, meet businesses and attend activities taking place during the exhibition.
A new platform rather than an established trade fair
The available public information does not establish a long history of previous editions of the EKO International Trade Expo.
A report published by Japan-based PREX in April 2026 described the Lagos event as an upcoming initiative being developed by Henry Ifeanyi Anwansedo and Une Regina Bamaiyi. PREX said both had previously participated in a Japan-based SME development programme and were applying their experience to the planned Expo. (Prex)
That background is relevant because the organisers are presenting the Expo not simply as a marketplace but also as a platform for SME development, market access and business linkages.
The success of the initiative will therefore depend on what happens beyond the publicity campaign and the five days of exhibitions.
Government and private-sector participation
The organisers have identified the National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment among government institutions and stakeholders associated with the Expo.
The Expo’s official website also lists the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy among its sponsors and partners. (EKO International Trade Expo)
However, the involvement of an institution in an event should not automatically be interpreted as an endorsement of every claim made by the organisers. The precise nature of each institution’s participation remains important for visitors and businesses assessing the opportunities available.
What happens next?
The Expo is due to open on Tuesday, 22 September, and run until Saturday, 26 September.
The organisers are encouraging businesses that want exhibition space to register, while members of the public can attend without an entry fee, according to the organisers.
The immediate test will be whether the roadshow converts awareness into meaningful participation and whether the Expo delivers the business connections, market access and investment opportunities it has promised.
For participating SMEs and entrepreneurs, the value of the event will ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes such as customers gained, partnerships formed, contracts secured and access to new markets.
