Defence Minister celebrates transformation of iconic Lagos market, urges traders to embrace innovation, quality and global competitiveness
By: Chioma Vivian James
The transformation of Alaba International Market in Lagos has received a major endorsement from the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who described the iconic commercial centre as an emerging technology and innovation powerhouse with growing significance across Africa.
Musa made the remarks at the Gala and Award Night held in Ikoyi, Lagos, to mark the unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba,” an initiative showcasing the market’s evolving identity and ambitious transformation.
The Defence Minister commended the Alaba business community for moving beyond the traditional concept of a marketplace, noting that the development of modern commercial complexes reflected the vision, resilience and enterprise of the traders and investors who had sustained the market over the years.
He particularly congratulated the leadership of the International Market Electronics Association (IMEA), led by its President-General, High Chief Dr Camilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi, as well as the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their contributions to the transformation of the market.
According to Musa, Alaba International Market has evolved into an important engine of economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement, with the potential to compete favourably with major commercial and technology centres across the continent.
He further applauded efforts by stakeholders to strengthen quality assurance, promote locally manufactured products and combat counterfeit goods, describing such initiatives as critical to building consumer confidence and positioning Alaba as a trusted commercial destination with continental reach.
The Minister stressed that economic prosperity could only thrive in an environment of peace and security, assuring entrepreneurs and investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a secure and conducive environment for sustainable business growth.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his efforts toward strengthening national security and economic stability, stressing that sustainable development required effective collaboration among government, businesses and citizens.
Musa challenged traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs operating within Alaba to sustain their culture of innovation, integrity and excellence, urging them to embrace standards that would enable Nigerian businesses to compete effectively in the global marketplace.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The Minister also reflected on the longstanding relationship between the IMEA and the Nigerian Army, revealing that the partnership had endured for decades and was initially brokered by him during his early years as a military officer.
He described the enduring relationship as evidence of the importance of collaboration between security institutions and the business community in promoting stability, economic development and prosperity.
The Gala and Award Night also featured the recognition of individuals whose contributions have significantly influenced the growth and development of Alaba International Market.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat commended the Alaba business community for its substantial contribution to the economic development of Lagos State.
Hamzat described the market as strategically important to commerce, innovation and employment generation, while applauding the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its traders.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reconstructing the road linking Alaba International Market, noting that the project would improve accessibility, facilitate the movement of goods and people, enhance the ease of doing business and stimulate additional economic activities in the area.
A New Chapter for Alaba
The unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba” represents more than the commissioning of modern commercial facilities. It signals a new chapter in the evolution of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable business destinations.
With its growing emphasis on technology, innovation, quality assurance and modern infrastructure, Alaba International Market is positioning itself not merely as a marketplace for electronics, but as a dynamic economic ecosystem capable of contributing to Nigeria’s technological ambitions and Africa’s expanding digital economy.
The message from the Gala was clear: Alaba is no longer simply a market—it is an emerging technology and enterprise hub with its sights set firmly on Africa and the global marketplace.
