Brisk businesses, partnerships, exchange of ideas characterize 20th edition of Abuja International Trade Fair

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By Anthony Maliki, at the Trade Fair ground, Abuja

The 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) was formally declared opened on Monday with participants, exhibitors already synergizing, seeking partnerships, opportunities, exchanging business ideas and making brisk business.

At both the Prince Adetokunbo Kayode Trade and Convention Centre for indoor exhibitors and the vast open exhibiting space, businesses of all varieties flourished. The Fair started on 25th September and would end on 6th October, 2025.

Apex News Exclusive observed that most of the stands were filled with anxious people making inquiries about products and services while in some stands, visitors were given sample of their consumable items to taste and even takeaway.

Also, traffic was heavy at the gate into the premises of the fair as many people continue to troop in with their families and friends.

In his speech, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, said it is not just the opening of another fair, but a celebration of a historic milestone, 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, since inception, the Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, and one of Africa’s most recognized trade events.

He pointed out that over the past two decades, the fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships. It also provided visibility for SMEs, enabling them to access new markets and strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations.

Chief Obegolu said these achievements underscore the pivotal role of the AITF as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and Africa’s integration into the global economy.

National President, NACCIMA Jamil Ibrahim with ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, left, other guests at a tricycle exhibition stand

On the theme of the Fair, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” the President said, it reflects collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges.

He noted this year’s Fair will feature over 100,000 participants across 12 days; exhibitions spanning trade, industry, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and the creative industries; panel sessions with the Central Bank of Nigeria, FIRS, FCT-IRS, the National Council on Climate Change, relevant Ministries, international agencies, banks, fintech innovators, and clean technology leaders, SME-focused platforms, reaffirming our commitment to small businesses as the backbone of economic development.

The President said it will be introducing BABA FEST – Buy Africa, Build Africaat the Fair, a flagship ACCI initiative that celebrates African products, services, and creativity both on the continent and globally.

BABA FEST, Chief Obegolu noted, will feature live performances by renowned African artists, fashion runways by top African designers, immersive art exhibitions, exclusive investment and networking opportunities and brand activations designed to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness. He stressed that it more than a festival, it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa.

The National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jamil Ibrahim, said for two decades, the fair has stood as a hub of innovation, partnership, and enterprise — reflecting the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian businesses.

He remarked that from the displays witnessed over the years, Abuja, through the ACCI, is steadily earning recognition as a centre for excellence, rivalling even Lagos in trade prominence.

On behalf of NACCIMA and the organised private sector, Ibrahim saluted ACCI for sustaining this platform and together reaffirmed the commitment to positioning Nigeria as a $1 trillion sustainable economy by 2030.

On sustainability, he stressed that, Nigeria must balance growth with environmental stewardship and NACCIMA is championing the planting of 1 billion economic trees nationwide to create jobs, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change.

He said we must boost the demand for Made-in-Nigeria products, encourage value addition, and build pride in our local enterprises while reform frameworks should support innovation, renewable energy, MSMEs, and digital trade.

The NACCIMA President said Nigeria has made progress through reforms such as the Business Facilitation Act, 2023, which eases the business environment.

“Looking ahead, Nigeria must seize the opportunity of hosting the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Lagos in 2027. This will be Africa’s largest trade and investment gathering. It is an opportunity to showcase our industries, attract new investments, and cement Nigeria’s role as Africa’s gateway economy. NACCIMA, working with ACCI and other chambers nationwide, will ensure Nigerian businesses are well-prepared to benefit from this historic event,” Ibrahim stressed.

At the global level, the President noted, NACCIMA is evolving into a globally connected institution — NACCIMA Global — linking Nigerian businesses to partners across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

“Our agenda is clear: Champion private sector reforms for ease of doing business, expand Nigeria’s footprint across ECOWAS, AfCFTA, and WTO platforms and position NACCIMA as a global advocate for Nigerian enterprise.

Representative of Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, expressed gratitude to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, specifically, its President, the Director-General and Council members, for their tireless work in organizing this event, which serves as a critical linkage for business, innovation, and economic dialogue in Nigeria.

She said Dangote’s relationship with ACCI is not merely transactional, but a strategic partnership built on a vision for a prosperous and industrialized Nigeria.

“…we are happy to sponsor this event as it confers on us opportunity to interact with other stakeholders and business partners. The Chamber has been a steadfast advocate for a conducive business environment, and we value this collaboration immensely,” she said.

Fatima pointed out that Dangote Group have also shown through its refinery and cement that instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, must process more of what we produce here at home.

India High Commission stands at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair

“For us at Dangote, we recognize that taxation, when strategically applied, can serve a dual purpose: discouraging unsustainable business practices while also generating revenue for essential public services and infrastructure. Such investments ultimately create an enabling environment for industries like ours to thrive, while building a stronger and more resilient Nigerian economy,” she explained.

The opening day featured the investiture of 12 National Policy Fellows including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Justice Ishaq Bello (rtd), National President, NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim and Barrister (Mrs) Obiageli Nwosu. Others are Osi Imomoh, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms, Professor Attahiru Jega and Ambassador Segun Olugbile.