The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr Emeka Obegolu, has officially declared open the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), describing this year’s edition as a celebration of two decades of promoting trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.
Delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Dr Obegolu noted that the Fair had evolved from “a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, and one of Africa’s most recognised trade events.”
He explained that since its inception, the AITF has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas; attracted more than 1.5 million visitors; and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, partnerships, and investments.
“The Fair has also strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions and trade agencies worldwide.”
Speaking on the theme of the fair, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” Dr Obegolu stated that it underscores the urgent need to align Nigeria’s economic growth with sustainable practices, responsible production, and innovation-driven solutions in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This Fair will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to examine how consumption patterns, incentives, and taxation can be strategically aligned to promote responsible production, attract investment, and encourage environmental stewardship,” he said.
The ACCI President also announced the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a new initiative to promote African products and creativity.
On the sidelines of the Fair, the ACCI also hosted the investiture of 12 new National Policy Fellows, an award recognising contributions to business and economic development in areas such as academia, civil society, SME growth, and legislative policy.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Jani Ibrahim, during the opening, urged Nigeria to embrace sustainability, strengthen local production, and implement business-friendly reforms to position the country as a $1 trillion sustainable economy by 2030.
He commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for sustaining the Fair over two decades.
“The future is here. The theme of this year’s Fair: sustainability, consumption, incentives, and taxation, is both timely and urgent,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim also welcomed the forthcoming tax reforms, effective January 1, 2026, which exempt micro and small enterprises with a turnover below ₦100 million from taxation.
“Capital formation is key for businesses to grow, and it is these micro, small, and medium enterprises that will generate growth for our economy,” he said.
Also, the representative of Dangote Industries Ltd, Fatima Abdurrahman, reiterated the commitment of the Dangote Group while pledging continued partnership with government and private sector stakeholders to advance local production, job creation, and innovation.
She commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for hosting the annual event, describing the Chamber as a “steadfast advocate for a conducive business environment” and a strategic partner in promoting Nigeria’s economic prosperity.