By Theodore Opara

THE annual Abuja International Motor fair scheduled to hold at the Eagles Square Abuja next month is targeted towards boosting investments in the auto sector.

Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Chairman Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions and Chairman organising committee for the event disclosed this to newsmen in his office in Lagos recently.

He assured that the platform of this edition has been packaged to increasing the attention of the various tiers of government in Nigeria to the importance of developing the sector so as to enhance the nation’s socio-economic development.

Mr. Agwu said that every effort have been deployed to ensure that the sector receives the needed support from both the government and the private sector to enhance its’ rapid development. “We are   packaging a show that will showcase all the existing and potential investment opportunities that abound in the Nigerian automobile industry, which we believe are very attractive to existing and prospective investors”, he announced.

The organizing committee head further disclosed that event which holds at the Eagle Square Abuja from October 22-30, 2014 has been repackaged to ensure that both the private and public sectors are sensitized to accord the automotive sector high priority as it is capable of catalyzing and sustaining the nation’s quest for economic transformation as espoused by the new thinking in the industry.

According to him, “Hosting Auto Shows of  international standard such as the Abuja Motor Fair   will go a long way in placing Nigeria in the map of World automotive business and will equally fast track the making of the nation the hub of automotive business in the continent.

On drives to drive traffic to the event he disclosed that intensified and broader publicity activities are already in place while consultations and reach out to relevant stakeholders and sectors has been in the increase. These according to him are aimed at achieving the mission of making the 16th edition another rewarding and successful one to all stakeholders.

On the issue of security which he acknowledge that some stakeholders have raised some concerns with, Mr. Agwu said that “while doing the above, we know that they would amount to nothing if there are no adequate security measures in place to secure the exhibitors; exhibits and visitors to the event. Towards this we have concluded arrangements with relevant Security Agencies to provide personnel, gadgets and arms for increased surveillance and monitoring of movements into, within and around the venue. All these are in place notwithstanding that Eagle Square as well the surrounding Central Business Area are highly secured by the government. We will not leave any room for any breach of the security or threat to the lives and property of all those who will be at the event. Extra measures will be taken to ensure a smooth and free event for all and sundry”.