By Okosun Dennis
The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Keshim Shittima has flagged off the revitalisation of the International Trade Fair Complex after 14 years it went moribund.
Shettima, who was represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Regional Development, Mrs Mariam Temitope, expressed joy for bringing back business activities which would, invariably, promote trade and commerce in the West African sub-region.
The grand opening ceremony took place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at the International Trade Fair Complex, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, leading to 13 days of intense fair with over 400 exhibitors, both local and international participation.
Shortly after the flagging off, the Representative of the Vice President, Mrs Mariam Temitope accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Olajumoke Aduwole; the host and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of International Trade Fair Complex, Barrister Vera Safiya Ndanusa, and the Chairman, Stakeholders Association, International Trade Fair Complex, Mr Eric Ilechukwu among many other dignitaries.
Shettima observed that the two weeks Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair 2024 (CITF 2024), especially the reviving of this platform are a testament to the commitment to driving economic growth and development in Nigeria
and across borders of the shores of Nigeria.
He reiterated that the vision of the government is to position Nigeria as a beckon of economic growth, driven innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship and development while strengthening partnership with the private sector. To achieve this he noted, the government has launched National Innovation Fund among others.
In a key note address, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Aduwole, commended the visionary leadership and ingenuity of the Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa and her dedicated team for bringing back the iconic event adding that it is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
Accordingly, “President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future of prosperity and sustainable development. The government is actively working to create an enabling environment for businesses, both domestic and
foreign, to invest and grow.
“This Trade Fair is a powerful platform to showcase the resilience and innovation of our nation’s industries, providing an opportunity to connect with global partners, explore new markets, and foster
collaboration.
In her welcome remarks, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Barrister Vera Safiya Ndanusa expressed joy for the revival and bringing back the trade fair complex that was left for the past 14 years in a disused state.
She noted that this event “marks a significant revival, a reawakening of a platform that has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
In her estatic manner, she observed that the complex was strategic to jumpstarting the economy, stimulating investment and job creation in consonance with the President’s renewed economic agenda.
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has been an invaluable partner in this endeavour. The dedication and support of the Ministers, Permanent Secretary, and Directors have been instrumental in bringing this trade fair to fruition.
“The theme of the fair: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Commercial and Industrial Sectors through Trade and Investment” was chosen to reflect our commitment to promote industrialization and economic growth in Nigeria. Noting that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex offers a unique advantage to industrialists and exhibitors.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Amb Bolaji Akinremi, said it was heartwarming seeing the revitalisation of the “wasting ground” being rejuvenated adding that his ministry is a willing collaborator to take everything they do to international platform for marketability and attracting investors.
He added that with over 114 Embassies and High Commission across the globe, he challenged them to leverage on it to penetrate international market with their locally made goods.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Stakeholders Association International Trade Fair Complex, Mr Eric Ilechukwu said the stakeholders would support the Executive Director to realise the aim of reviving the complex.
“We need collaboration to revive this complex for better trade and commerce; vowing to partner the Minister of Trade and Investment to restore the glory of Trade Fair Complex.
It was gathered that the International Trade Fair Complex occupies about 365 hectares of land, and have over 30,000 businesses and with more than 400 exhibitors participating in the fair, which is serving as a gateway to African market and a catalyst to economic growth.
Present to witness the grinding opening were the Chairman, Ogun-Guanddong Free Trade Zone, Dr Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa; Senate Committee on Commerce, Senator Saidu Suliaman; Director Human Resources, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC); Regional Zonal Commander, Federal Fire Service, ACGF Ijeoma Achi-Okidi; representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) among many other dignitaries and business moguls.
The International Trade Fair Complex located along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, was commissioned in 1976 as an international trade hub to cater for trade with countries along the West Coast.
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