The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), organiser of the ongoing 26th Lagos International Trade Fair, said that over 600, 000 visitors were expected at the fair. Mr Dele Alimi, the Director of Membership and Trade Promotion of the LCCI, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos.

He said that the chamber anticipated a large turnout of visitors because of the location of the venue. The fair is being held at the Tafawa Balewa Square complex instead of the traditional international trade fair site on Lagos-Badagry expressway due to ongoing road construction. Alimi said that about 300,000 visitors attended the last edition of the fair which was held at the international trade fair site. He said that the venue of the ongoing fair was unique and accessible to visitors.

“We recorded about 300,000 at the end of 2011 trade fair and because this year’s venue is where people can access easily, we expect this figure to double,” he said. Alimi said that this figure excluded those who would have free access like exhibitors, their staff and guests who would grace each special day’s occasion. The director said that officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would ensure free-flow of traffic, while a close circuit TV had been mounted in strategic places.

He said that hawking would not be allowed within and outside the venue during the trade fair. Alimi said that some aspects of the fair had been insured for five million naira. He, however, did not disclose those aspects covered by insurance.