The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has formalised its partnership with the International Printers and Papers Exhibition (IPPEX) to make the specialised expo a permanent feature of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair, in a move expected to deepen innovation across Nigeria’s printing, publishing, paper and packaging value chain.
The development was announced by Mr. Tunde Obokhai, the managing director of DCS Integrated Media Services, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair, where he was honoured with an award as a Distinguished Partner of the LCCI.
Obokhai, said the IPPEX will henceforth be held alongside the LCCI Lagos International Trade Fair, explaining that although the IPPEX event had been hosted in Abuja for years, showcasing and promoting Nigeria’s indigenous paper, printing and publishing sector, the Lagos Trade Fair offers a broader platform for industry participation.
“International Paper, Publishing and Print Expo was what we brought into the Lagos International Trade Fair as we partnered with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and it was very creative and innovative. For the first time, a specialised aspect of business was introduced into the Trade Fair, and it was highly commended by the LCCI leadership.” he said.
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Obokhai described this year’s outing as a successful trial run, adding that the positive reception has paved the way for the full integration of printing, publishing, packaging and paper exhibitions into subsequent editions of the fair.
According to him, plans will begin immediately to expand the exhibition by involving more partners across the paper, printing, publishing and packaging value chain. He added that the next edition will give special attention to packaging for Nigerian foods, with the aim of enhancing preservation, presentation and promotion of local content.
“For us as organisers of IPPEX since 2001, we believe we are finally positioning the event where it truly belongs. Going forward, IPPEX together with LCCI will be taking this initiative to the level we designed it to be.” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Gabriel Idahosa, the president of the LCCI, commended the exhibitors for their contributions to the success of the 39th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair.
He also praised the Lagos state government for its consistent support, noting that the world-class pavilion provided for the fair speaks to the government’s commitment to commerce and industry. “We are fortunate in Lagos to have a government that understands business, working with them is like working with a business partner. They make things easier for us, and we appreciate that.” Idahosa said.
