The 10-days Nigeria International Trade Fair, which began on November 21, has ended with a call for entrepreneurs to remain resilient and focused in navigating future challenges.
The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), Vera Ndanusa, made the remarks in Lagos during the closing ceremony.
She praised young Nigerian entrepreneurs for maintaining high standards in their locally made products, and urged them to stay resilient and focused, noting that “greatness requires overcoming challenges.”
Reviewing the fair, Ndanusa said the event experienced a full revival, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors—far beyond her expectations.
“The turnout, the deals signed, the contacts exchanged, the MOUs, and the number of participating countries all show that the fair has been revived. We are on track to make next year even better. Exhibitors are already asking us to open the portal for the next edition. They’re excited and can’t wait to return,” she said.
She noted that many participating businesses reported positive outcomes, describing the fair as an additional revenue source for the country.
“Hotels around here were fully booked. Transport operators, food vendors, and other informal businesses benefited significantly. We’re glad this happened, and we know next year will exceed this,” she added.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the resurgence of the trade fair complex.
He commended the Minister of Trade and Investment and the LITFCMB Executive Director for revitalizing the facility within a short period.
He described the fair as “a very good start,” adding that improved road access and better publicity would attract even larger crowds and more foreign exhibitors next year.
According to him, government must continue to provide an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive.
Exhibitors—including Blueworld Cosmetics Ltd, Togas Ventures, Spectra Industries Ltd, and the Corporate Affairs Commission—shared their experiences and offered recommendations for future editions.
Lawal Omeiza and Lawson Okwuazu of Blueworld Cosmetics said the fair allowed for valuable networking but called for earlier and stronger publicity to attract bigger companies and foreign investors.
They also urged Nigerians to patronize local products and advised youths to remain focused and avoid distractions that could jeopardize their aspirations.
Other exhibitors—Olumide Ilesanmi (Spectra Industries), Tochukwu Okonkwor (CAC), and Mrs. Balogun (Togas Ventures)—echoed the need for increased awareness to draw more participants next year, describing the 2025 edition as “a good start.”
This year’s fair featured hundreds of exhibitors, strong visitor turnout, and high expectations for an even more robust event next year.
Highlights of the closing ceremony included award presentations, cultural performances, and goodwill messages from industry stakeholders.
Olusola Akintonde