The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has described the transformation of the Alaba International Market in Lagos as a remarkable demonstration of Nigerian enterprise, innovation and economic resilience, saying the market is steadily evolving into one of Africa’s leading centres for electronics and technology.
Musa made the remarks at a gala and award night in Ikoyi, Lagos, organised to mark the unveiling of the **“New Face of Alaba”**, where he joined government officials, business leaders, traders and other stakeholders to celebrate the transformation of the commercial hub.
The Defence Minister said the newly developed commercial complexes within the market represented more than physical infrastructure, describing them as evidence of the vision, perseverance and collective determination of the Alaba business community.
He congratulated the leadership of the International Market Association Electronics (IMAE), particularly its President-General, High Chief Dr Camilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi, for what he described as their efforts to reposition the market.
Musa also commended the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the business environment around the market.
According to the Minister, Alaba International Market has moved beyond its traditional identity as a trading centre and is increasingly becoming an important contributor to Nigeria’s economic and technological development.
He noted that the market supports thousands of businesses and livelihoods while providing a major platform for the distribution of electronics, household appliances and technology-related products.
Musa particularly acknowledged initiatives within the market aimed at promoting quality assurance, encouraging locally manufactured products and combating counterfeit goods.
He said such measures were important in strengthening consumer confidence and positioning Alaba as a credible commercial destination capable of attracting wider regional and continental attention.
The Minister urged traders, manufacturers and other entrepreneurs operating in the market to maintain high standards of integrity, innovation and professionalism.
He said the continued development of Alaba could demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to build commercially successful enterprises capable of competing beyond the country’s borders.
Musa also emphasised the connection between national security and economic development, noting that businesses can only thrive in an environment where lives, property and investments are adequately protected.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a secure and stable environment for businesses to operate and grow.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for what he described as his commitment to national security and economic stability.
He stressed that sustainable economic development requires cooperation among government, businesses and citizens.
According to him, the transformation of Alaba demonstrates what can be achieved when the private sector and government work towards common economic objectives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also commended the Alaba International Market community for its contribution to the economic development of Lagos State.
The Governor described the market as strategically important to commerce, innovation and employment generation, while acknowledging the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its traders and business owners.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the reconstruction of the road linking the Alaba International Market, noting that improved access would enhance movement in and out of the commercial district and contribute to a better business environment.
The project, he said, would improve accessibility, ease the movement of goods and people and further stimulate economic activities within the area.
The event also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Alaba business community and the Nigerian Army.
According to the Defence Ministry, the International Market Association Electronics (IMAE) has maintained a cordial relationship with the Nigerian Army spanning several decades.
The relationship, the ministry said, was facilitated by General Musa during his early years as an army officer.
The Minister subsequently joined other dignitaries in recognising individuals whose contributions have helped shape the development and success of Alaba International Market.
He congratulated the entire business community on what he described as a significant milestone and expressed confidence that the market would achieve greater heights in the years ahead.
The unveiling of the New Face of Alaba” therefore marked not only the completion and presentation of new commercial infrastructure but also a renewed aspiration by the business community to strengthen the market’s position as a major hub for electronics, technology, commerce and enterprise in Nigeria and across Africa
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