Nigeria's economic outlook is set for a major boost as the Trade Commissioners Summit and Exhibition prepares to unlock multi-billion dollar investment opportunities in the states.
Organized by GlobalFree Diplomat Magazine, the forum to be held in Lagos on December 2 will bring together state trade commissioners, foreign investors, economic diplomats and industry leaders to drive a new wave of subnational trade and investment partnerships aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s states as global business destinations.
The summit, to be held in Lagos on December 2, 2025, was held as a side event of the Trade Relations Cup™, a golf tournament that celebrates international trade and cooperation. The summit seeks to promote Nigeria's diverse economic potential and facilitate bilateral engagement between state officials and global business leaders.
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According to Soko Deji Ajomale-McWard, editor-in-chief and publisher of Globalfree Diplomat Magazine, the initiative is designed to “deepen the economic viability of Nigerian states by creating a common platform to showcase investment opportunities to the global market”.
He emphasized that although foreign envoys and economic advisors often pay courtesy visits to states, their access remains limited.
“When states are brought under one roof to engage with trade diplomats and investors, it creates a stronger, more coordinated channel to pursue economic diplomacy,” Ajomale-McWard said.
According to him, the summit will highlight three key development areas: economic free zones, ports and critical minerals, essential pillars for Nigeria’s industrial transformation and diversification agenda.
Ajomale-McWard said the discussion around ports has long dominated Nigeria's economic debate.
“This summit will help us uncover the truths and myths surrounding regional ports and their potential to drive balanced development,” he said.
Beyond trade infrastructure, the summit, he said, will explore Nigeria's untapped reserves of critical minerals, which are increasingly important to global green technologies and advanced manufacturing.
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According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Nigeria has an estimated six million tonnes of monazite ore, positioning it as a potential powerhouse in the global rare earth minerals market.
Other valuable resources – including columbite-tantalite, zircon, ilmenite, rutile and bauxite – are found in several states and hold strategic promise for diversification away from oil dependence.
He disclosed that the event has secured partnerships with top trade and business institutions such as the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Lekki Free Zone, European Business Chamber Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
Ajomale-McWard expressed hope that the forum will not only spur dialogue but produce measurable results that will “reach the grassroots and reshape the economic future of Nigerian states.”
