Defence Minister Unveils ‘New Face of Alaba’, Says Market Poised to Become Africa’s Technology Hub
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has described the transformation of Alaba International Market in Lagos as a major symbol of Nigerian enterprise, innovation and economic resilience, saying the commercial hub is fast emerging as one of Africa’s leading technology centres.
General Musa made the remarks at the Gala and Award Night held in Ikoyi, Lagos, to mark the unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba”, where he commended the business community for transforming the market from a traditional trading centre into a modern hub for electronics, technology and commerce.
The Defence Minister said the newly commissioned modern commercial complexes represented more than physical infrastructure, describing them as evidence of the vision, determination and collective efforts of the Alaba business community.
He particularly commended 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 market’s transformation.
According to him, Alaba International Market has moved beyond the conventional definition of a marketplace to become an important contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement.
General Musa also applauded initiatives within the market aimed at promoting quality assurance, encouraging locally manufactured products and tackling the proliferation of counterfeit goods.
He said such measures were critical to building consumer confidence and positioning Alaba as a trusted commercial destination capable of competing on the African and global stages.
The Minister stressed the strong connection between national security and economic prosperity, noting that businesses could only flourish in an environment where lives, property and investments were adequately protected.
He therefore reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for businesses across the country.
General Musa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his commitment to national security and economic stability, stressing that sustainable development required effective collaboration among government, businesses and citizens.
He urged traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Alaba to sustain their culture of innovation, integrity and excellence, while encouraging them to raise standards and create opportunities for younger generations.
The event also featured awards and recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Alaba International Market.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, commended the Alaba business community for its contribution to the economic development of the state.
The Governor described the market as strategically important to commerce, innovation and employment generation, praising the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its traders.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to reconstructing the road linking the Alaba International Market, saying the project would improve accessibility, enhance the ease of doing business and stimulate further economic activity in the area.
The Defence Ministry also noted the longstanding relationship between the IMEA and the Nigerian Army, which it said had endured for decades.
The relationship, according to the ministry, was initially brokered by General Musa during his early years as a military officer, underscoring the longstanding interaction between the military and the Alaba business community.
General Musa congratulated the entire Alaba community on the unveiling of the “New Face of Alaba”, describing the milestone as a significant achievement and expressing optimism that the market would attain even greater heights in the years ahead.
(MOD Press)
