Nigerian Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima
…Multiple Foreign Companies, ECOWAS, Leading Local Firms Line up
….Lagos, Imo, Niger, Other Governors Confirm Attendance
All is set for the smooth takeoff of the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair (#NITF) at the massive Lagos International Trade Fair complex on Badagry Expressway from tomorrow, Friday November 21st to 30th.
From the itinerary made available to Business Hilights during an interview while on inspection of stands and booths being put in place by exhibiting firms with the Special Assistant (SA) to the ED/CEO of the complex, Barr. Vera Ndanusa, she explained that whereas the Vice President, who doubles as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), Senator Kassim Shettima will declare the fair open on his capacity as the Special Guest of Honour, he will be assisted by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Also, the Minister of State, Hon. John Enoh will be on ground as three state Governors including Lagos, Imo and Niger States have confirmed attendance at the opening ceremony expected to begin by 10:00am in the morning.
Explaining more on the preparedness of the Trade Fair Management Board, the SA revealed that every necessary arrangements and logistics have been put in place including security, electricity, space allocations, hotel plans for exhibitors and every other needed support systems have been activated for a successful national trade fair this month.
She added that the Royal father of the Day, Etsu Nupe has confirmed attendance alongside other traditional rulers of repute in Nigeria are highly expected at the opening ceremony.
Giving more insights on level and volume of already registered companies for the fair this year, she averred that “Yes, a lot more companies have registered for participation this year more than last when we restarted the fair after a long period of over 14 years of inactivity.
“In fact, companies interested in the fair doubled, tripled this year. As you can see, we now have more spaces occupied by mega international firms and local players all getting ready for the fair.
“This surge in number of firms when compared to that of last year, is clearly a testament to ED/CEO’s unprecedented drive and activities in making sure that this massive international trade fair complex comes back to its original status after years of stagnancy and inactivity.
“Its very important to add that the ED/CEO and her team was able to achieve these feats because of the massive support from the ministry and more especially the honourable Minister herself, dr. Jumoke Oduwole and all the ministry staff in both Lagos and Abuja.
She also included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of the key supporters of the return of the Nigeria International Trade Fair in line with the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration, nothing that the presidential support has aided the convergence of public and private sector operators in the revival of the nation’s economy.
Talking about international companies that have secured exhibition spaces, she revealed that “This year we have good number of firms from Algeria, Indonesia, Asia Trade & Exports Groups, Chinese companies and most especially, the ECOWAS Commission which has a very big stand and strong contingent of companies.
“Generally, we very grateful to Mr. President for his support for this fair.
Concluding, she assured that all preparations are on ground and the fair is very much ready to take off come Friday, November 21st.
