By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) will provide businesses opportunities to connect with customers, investors, distributors and international partners, says the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Mr Agbaidu Jideani, Director-General, ACCI, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 21st AITF on Tuesday in Abuja.
The fair, organised by ACCI, is under the theme: ‘Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy.’
Jideani said the fair was more than an exhibition, describing it as a platform for businesses to showcase products, explore markets and build strategic partnerships.
He said the fair reflected ACCI’s mandate to promote trade and investment, support enterprise development and advocate an enabling business environment.
According to him, ACCI advances its mandate through four strategic centres focused on enterprise development, policy advocacy, dispute resolution and trade promotion.
Jideani appreciated the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, for supporting trade, investment and private-sector development.
He also commended the Presidency and the President’s representative for attending the event and demonstrating the importance of business, trade and investment to national development.
He appreciated the FCT Administration for its partnership and efforts to strengthen Abuja as a destination for commerce, investment and enterprise.
Jideani also thanked the diplomatic corps and foreign missions for strengthening economic and commercial connections between Nigerian businesses and the international business community.
He appreciated traditional rulers, sponsors, strategic partners and supporting organisations for their contributions towards the success of the 2026 edition.
The ACCI director-general urged exhibitors to maximise the 12-day fair by engaging customers, negotiating deals, collaborating and exploring new business opportunities.
He also appreciated trade associations, business groups, entrepreneurs, investors, participants and visitors for supporting the trade fair.
Jideani urged participants to utilise the opportunities provided by the fair to expand their businesses and establish productive partnerships.
He commended the media for promoting businesses, innovations and opportunities emerging from the fair, describing their role as invaluable.
He advised participants to build meaningful partnerships and turn connections made at the fair into opportunities that would contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Also, Mr Christopher Mensah-Yawson of the ECOWAS Commission said the commission would ensure stronger collaboration with ACCI to promote economic growth.
Mensah-Yawson congratulated ACCI for sustaining the platform and evolving in response to the needs of Nigerian businesses.
He encouraged participants to use the fair deliberately to build partnerships and understand the standards required to access markets.
Similarly, Mr Omoh Anabor, Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Edo, said the state had an enabling environment for business.
Anabor said the Edo Government was willing to partner with ACCI and other investors to expand businesses and advance the state’s economy.
He said Edo was ready to partner with the chamber, investors and other stakeholders to expand businesses and drive economic development. (NAN)
VOE/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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