…As NACCIMA Calls for Regulation of Trade Fairs

By Yinka Kolawole

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Junoke Oduwole, has assured that 2025 will be a year of significant impact for businesses in Nigeria.

She made this statement on Friday during a Ministerial engagement with members of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Dr. Oduwole commended the private sector’s continued contribution to Nigeria’s economy. “We are here to assure you that we are going to work very well together. 2025 has to be an impactful year – a very important year for Nigeria,” she emphasized.

She also praised the resilience of the private sector throughout 2024, adding that communication and collaboration would be key to achieving success in 2025.

“We want to commend your work and resilience all through 2024 and before,” the Minister said. She assured NACCIMA that their concerns would be addressed with actionable and measurable steps. “Starting from January, you will begin to see changes,” she promised.

In his remarks, NACCIMA President, Dele Oye, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration to make Nigeria a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Oye also raised concerns about the unregulated proliferation of trade fairs in Nigeria, which, he said, often leads to the introduction of inferior goods into the market. “As part of our primary job, we have the mandate from the ministry for trade fairs, linking industries with the market,” he explained. He stressed the need for regulation of trade fair organizations to protect Nigerian consumers and ensure quality standards.

He concluded by urging the Minister’s support for tighter regulation of trade fairs, which he said is crucial to safeguard both consumers and the integrity of the trade fair system in the country.