Trade Fair Hosted 2,500 Exhibitors, Attracted 1.5m Visitors In 2 Decades- ACCI

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

Trade fair hosted 2,500 exhibitors, attracted 1.5m visitors in 2 decades- ACCI

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By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), says its International Trade Fair (AITF), hosted 2,500 exhibitors and attracted more than 1.5 million visitors from diverse economic sectors in the past 20 years.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI, disclosed this while addressing newsmen ahead of the upcoming 20th edition of the AITF, on Monday in Abuja.

Dr Aliyu Hong, ACCI 2nd Deputy President and Chairman, 20th edition of the AITF, who represented Obegolu during the news conference.
He said that the exhibitors were from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S.

“The AITF has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas and attracted more than 1.5 million visitors from diverse economic sectors in the past 20 years.

“The AITF has also facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments and partnerships; established platforms that have driven Business-to-Business, (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements.

“The trade fair has as well provided consistent visibility for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to reach new markets locally and internationally,” he said.

Obelogu noted that the AITF has fostered collaborations with more than 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies and international business associations.

According to him, the milestones reflect the AITF’s role as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and a key driver of Africa’s integration into the global economy.

He said that the 2025 AITF theme, tagged “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation”, adding that the theme underscored the ACCI commitment to tackling pressing economic and environmental challenges.

The ACCI president noted that a major highlight of the 2025 AITF would be the inauguration of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa) initiative.

He said that it was ACCI’s initiative to promote African products and services within the continent and globally, adding that the BABA FEST would celebrate Africa’s creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial energy.

He said that the BABA FEST was more than a festival; “it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa and build Africa.

He said that this year’s fair would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners.

He added that the effort was to examine how consumption patterns, incentives and taxation can be aligned to drive responsible production, investment and environmental stewardship, in line with the UN’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“So far, we are expecting about 20 country exhibitors and 20 diplomatic countries.

“As Nigeria’s economy continues to grow, we must ensure that this growth is sustainable, inclusive and driven by innovation.

“The fair will also future more than 100,000 participants across 12 days;
exhibitions covering trade, industry, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions and creative industries.

“There will be panel sessions with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), (FCT IRS), National Council on Climate Change, relevant ministries, international agencies, among others,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AITF would begin from Sept. 25 to Oct. 6 2025.

Obelogu, however, called on all stakeholders, the government, private sectors, development partners, media and the public, to support the AITF to help shape a sustainable and prosperous economic future for Nigeria and Africa.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

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