By DECAN
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has described Alaba International Market as a leading African centre for electronics, technology and enterprise.
Musa made the assertion at the Gala and Award Night marking the unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba” in Ikoyi, Lagos.
This is contained in a statement by Capt. Moses Yare, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence, on Saturday in Abuja
The minister said the transformation of the market demonstrated Nigerian enterprise, innovation, resilience and the capacity of local businesses to compete globally.
He said the newly commissioned commercial complexes represented more than physical development, describing them as symbols of the vision and perseverance of the Alaba business community.
Musa commended the International Market Association Electronics (IMAE), particularly its President-General, High Chief Camilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi, for driving the transformation.
He also commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the market’s economic and commercial importance.
According to him, Alaba has outgrown the traditional definition of a marketplace, becoming a critical driver of economic growth, job creation and technological advancement.
The minister highlighted efforts within the market to promote quality assurance, support locally manufactured products and combat counterfeit goods.
He said the initiatives were positioning Alaba as a trusted commercial hub with increasing relevance beyond Nigeria.
Musa stressed the strong connection between security and economic prosperity, saying businesses could only thrive in an environment where lives and investments were adequately protected.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a safe and enabling environment for businesses to operate and contribute to national development.
The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security and economic stability, saying sustainable development required strong partnerships.
He urged traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs within the Alaba community to sustain their culture of innovation, integrity and excellence.
Musa encouraged the business community to continue setting standards capable of demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to compete effectively in the global marketplace.
He also urged them to create opportunities that would benefit younger generations and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
The event featured the recognition of outstanding individuals whose contributions had significantly shaped the growth and development of Alaba International Market.
The minister congratulated the entire business community on the unveiling, describing it as a historic milestone and expressing confidence in greater achievements.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, commended Alaba traders for contributing significantly to Lagos’ economic development.
Sanwo-Olu said the market remained strategically important to commerce, innovation and employment generation within Lagos State and Nigeria.
He praised the resilience and enterprise of the traders, saying their sustained efforts had strengthened Alaba’s reputation within Nigeria and beyond.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reconstructing the road linking the market, saying the project would improve accessibility.
He said improved road infrastructure would enhance the ease of doing business and further stimulate economic activities within the Alaba axis.
The event brought together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to celebrate the transformation of one of Nigeria’s major commercial centres. (DECAN)
