,The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is billed to lead the state’s delegation to the high-profile global forthcoming Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) 2025 trade event in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America; as the stage is set for Lagos State to take the spotlight in the world affairs.
This announcement, made by Fidelity Bank Plc in a weekend press briefing, signals a major step in Lagos State’s ongoing drive to cement its status as Africa’s largest economy and a global hub for commerce, creativity, and investment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to use the Atlanta platform to push Lagos’ case for stronger international partnerships. Central to his agenda will be exploring a “sister city” relationship with the City of Atlanta and deepening ties with the State of Georgia.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a city of “enterprise, creativity, and boundless opportunity.” He emphasized that FNITCC Atlanta offers more than just an exhibition—it is a bridge connecting Lagos to new markets, investors, and cultural partners.
“At FNITCC Atlanta, we are not only showcasing Lagos as Africa’s largest economy but also building bridges of trade, investment, and cultural exchange with our partners in Atlanta and the wider United States,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor underscored his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos as a “truly global city, where innovation thrives, partnerships flourish, and prosperity is shared.”
FNITCC Atlanta, hosted in partnership with AFRICON—the foremost platform for African innovators and change-makers—will run from September 18 to 20, 2025. Organizers expect the event to attract more than 3,000 participants, including investors, exporters, trade agencies, and diaspora professionals.
Beyond networking, the conference is projected to generate trade and investment deals worth over US$500 million, providing a boost not just for Lagos, but for Nigeria’s economy at large.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Fidelity Bank’s MD/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, highlighted the bank’s pride in hosting Lagos State. “We are honoured to host the Lagos State delegation, led by His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the third edition of FNITCC in Atlanta,” she said.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe explained that Lagos, as Africa’s economic powerhouse, is uniquely positioned to leverage the global exposure FNITCC provides. “Our goal is to ensure Nigerian products are effectively received within the global marketplace, especially in America, through this initiative,” she added.
She further stressed that the event aligns with Fidelity Bank’s mission “to help individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper,” while expanding the reach of Nigerian entrepreneurs abroad.
FNITCC Atlanta’s rich program will include workshops, seminars, and panel discussions with some of the continent’s brightest economic minds. Among confirmed speakers are Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc; Aishah Ahmad, global finance leader and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Abba Bello, MD of Nigerian Export-Import Bank; and Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, CEO of Sunbeth Global Concepts.
Other highlights include deal rooms for targeted business negotiations, an exhibition of African goods and services across multiple sectors—ranging from agriculture and extractive industries to fashion, arts, and professional services—as well as matchmaking sessions linking U.S. investors with African opportunities.
Registration for FNITCC Atlanta is already open via www.fidelitybank.ng/fnitcc, with organizers encouraging businesses and individuals to secure their spots early.
For Fidelity Bank, FNITCC Atlanta is not just another trade fair—it is the flagship of its international engagement strategy. With more than 9.1 million customers across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and a reputation for excellence in digital transformation and SME support, the bank is positioning itself as the bridge between Nigeria and the global marketplace.
Over the past year, Fidelity has picked up multiple awards, including Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney, Export Financing Bank of the Year by BusinessDay BAFI Awards, and recognition for innovation in digital banking and investment services from Global Brands Magazine and Global Business Outlook.
As September 18 draws closer, anticipation continues to build. For Lagos State, FNITCC Atlanta is not just another international outing; it is a chance to showcase the megacity’s vibrancy, secure investment partnerships, and tell the Lagos story on a global stage.
