The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has described Alaba International Market as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth and technological advancement, commending its transformation into a leading commercial and technology hub.
General Musa stated this at the Gala and Award Night marking the unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba” in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he praised the resilience, innovation and enterprise of the market’s business community.
The Defence Minister said Alaba International Market had evolved beyond its traditional role as a marketplace, becoming an important contributor to job creation, commerce, innovation and technological development in Nigeria.
He noted that the newly commissioned modern commercial complexes were not merely physical structures but reflected the collective vision, perseverance and commitment of the Alaba business community to building a modern commercial centre with continental relevance.
General Musa commended the leadership of the International Market Association Electronics (IMAE), particularly its President General, High Chief Dr Camilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi, as well as the Lagos State Government for their roles in advancing the transformation of the market.
He also highlighted efforts by the market community to promote quality assurance, support locally manufactured products and combat counterfeit goods, saying such measures were essential to strengthening Alaba’s credibility as a technology and commercial hub.
According to the Minister, the growth of businesses such as those operating within Alaba also underscored the importance of security to economic prosperity.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for businesses to operate, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his commitment to national security and economic stability.
General Musa urged traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs at Alaba to sustain their culture of innovation, integrity and excellence, stressing the need for Nigerian businesses to continue setting standards capable of competing in the global marketplace.
He said stronger collaboration between government, businesses and citizens remained necessary to achieve sustainable economic development.
Also speaking at the event through the Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the Alaba International Market community for its contribution to the economic development of Lagos State.
The Governor highlighted the market’s strategic importance to commerce, innovation and employment generation, while praising the resilience and enterprise of its traders.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reconstructing the road linking the Alaba International Market, noting that the project would improve accessibility, enhance the ease of doing business and stimulate further economic activity in the area.
The event featured the recognition of individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Alaba International Market.
The Ministry of Defence also noted that the International Market Association Electronics has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Nigerian Army spanning decades, a relationship which was facilitated by General Musa during his early years as a military officer.
General Musa congratulated the Alaba business community on the unveiling of the new face of the market, expressing confidence that its transformation would contribute to greater economic and technological achievements in the years ahead.
