By Emmanuel Kwada
The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Barr. Vera Ndanusa, has announced that the forthcoming Lagos International Trade Fair will attract over 100,000 visitors from around the world.
Ndanusa, also the CEO of the Complex, stated that the event will boost the economy of Nigeria and Lagos State, thanks to the participation of foreign and local investors.
The Fair, relaunched after a 14-year hiatus, aims to showcase industry innovations, foster networking and partnerships, and provide a platform for businesses to connect with potential customers, investors, and industry experts. Ndanusa highlighted the objective of the Fair, saying, “We want to reinforce Lagos’ status as a major commercial hub in Africa, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth, creating job opportunities, and boosting exports.”
The relaunch event was hosted by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, who emphasized the government’s efforts to sustain the progress made in repositioning the Complex as an alternative revenue generation source. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Ndanusa for reviving the Fair and assured the state government’s support in achieving the federal government’s objectives.
The event, tagged Commercial & Industrial Trade Fair, will take place from November 15 to 26th, 2024, marking the Fair’s return to the Complex after over a decade.
The Minister, represented by Dr. Simon Omo-Ezomo, Director Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Commerce, said the federal government will put in place efforts to sustain the progress made in adding value to the Complex.
I commend you all for working tirelessly to refocus the organization toward prioritizing its primary responsibility and for supporting the agenda of President Bola Tinubu to diversify the economy by growing the non-oil sector
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Ndanusa for reviving the Fair after 14 years of discontinuity. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, assured that the state government will continue to play a good host to ensure the federal government achieves its objective of setting up the Trade Fair Complex.
Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the Fair Management Board for bringing back the popular trade fair after over a decade. “I commend you all for working tirelessly to refocus the organization toward prioritizing its primary responsibility and for supporting the agenda of President Bola Tinubu to diversify the economy by growing the non-oil sector,” the Governor said.
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Hon. Ahmed Munir, a House of Representatives member representing Lere Constituency of Kaduna State and Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, said the government aims to provide a suitable working environment for businesses to thrive at the Complex. Munir emphasized that amenities like good road networks, power, security, etc., are the responsibility of the government to ensure the Complex becomes the next alternative for government Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“If these facilities are put in place, the government will be running to the Complex for funds,” he said.
The forthcoming Fair, tagged Commercial & Industrial Trade Fair, will be held from November 15 to 26th, 2024. This year’s event marks the much-anticipated return of the Fair to the Complex after more than a decade, Ndanusa had earlier said.
