… As 2025 Nigeria Int’l Trade Fair opens

By Nkiruka Nnorom & Henry Obetta

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a more competitive and business-friendly environment, even as the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF) opens.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the NITF at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Oduwole said that the economic reform agenda of the current administration, including exchange rate unification, tax and customs system modernisation, and fuel subsidy removal among others, had put Nigeria in the global map and restored investor confidence.

“These reforms are the building blocks of a Nigeria that is more productive, more competitive, and more confident on the global stage “ she said.

She stated that the Trade Fair complex was originally designed as a gateway for commerce and remained central to driving intra-African trade and supporting Nigeria’s MSMEs.

The minister further stated that the government was working to restore the fair to its former status as one of the largest in Africa.

She said: “This trade fair complex was purpose-built to encourage trade, especially intra-African trade. It sits by the border so Africans can come in with their goods, and so that MSMEs can showcase the very best of proudly made-in-Nigeria products.”

According to her, the Trade Fair would provide an opportunity to continue to accelerate Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

Already, she said that non-oil exports showed strong growth in Q1’25 at 14 percent, while the country’s intra-African trade saw a 24 percent increase over the period. This, according to her, was an indication that “our goods are in demand across Africa.”

“Our fashion, light manufacturing, snacks like plantain chips and chin-chin, zobo, shea butter, slippers and even hair wigs are in demand across Africa,” she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director and CEO of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa, said the complex remained a national economic asset, adding that the board was strengthening partnerships with NACCIMA, ECOWAS and continental business groups to modernise Nigeria’s trade fair ecosystem.

She said the complex was being positioned as a central hub for regional commerce under Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“Our goal is to create and sustain an environment where trade thrives, where businesses can scale, and where investment can flow freely,” she said. “We are custodians of a national gateway to economic opportunity.”

Ndanusa further explained that the board was expanding access for SMEs, women-led enterprises and young entrepreneurs, while improving infrastructure and mobility within the complex.
The 2025 trade fair continues with exhibitions from local and international businesses showcasing products, innovations and investment opportunities across key sectors.