The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has flagged off the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) with a renewed call for African nations to prioritise intra-continental trade, investment, and creativity.
Declaring the Fair open on Monday in Abuja, Emeka Obegolu, ACCI President, described the 20th edition as a historic milestone, symbolising two decades of consistent commitment to trade, innovation, and economic diplomacy.
With the theme, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” Obegolu said this year’s edition aims to provide a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore solutions that align with Nigeria’s growth aspirations and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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“This Fair is not just an exhibition ground; it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and Africa’s integration into the global economy,” Obegolu said.
A major highlight of the 2025 edition is the unveiling of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a new ACCI initiative designed to celebrate African products, services, and creativity. The festival will showcase fashion runways, live performances, art exhibitions, and exclusive networking sessions to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness.
“This is more than a festival; it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa,” Obegolu emphasised.
He said this year’s Fair, which will run for 12 days, is expected to attract over 100,000 participants and feature exhibitions across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transport, and the creative industries.
According to him, panel sessions will also be held with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), FCT-IRS, National Council on Climate Change, banks, international agencies, and fintech innovators.
Obegolu also said that the second edition of the National Policy Fellows (NPF) Investiture will take place during the Fair, where 12 distinguished nominees will be inducted in recognition of their contributions to business and economic development.
Obegolu urged government institutions, private sector players, development partners, and the diplomatic community to leverage the opportunities the Fair presents, stressing that the next 20 years must be defined by stronger partnerships, greater innovation, and deeper impact.
Speaking at the event, Jani Ibrahim, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engineer, commended ACCI for sustaining the Trade Fair over the last two decades, describing it as a hub of innovation and enterprise.
“For two decades, this Fair has been a hub of innovation, partnerships, and enterprise, a reflection of the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian businesses. Abuja is now showing itself not just for show, but for excellence,” he said.
Ibrahim reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a one-trillion-dollar sustainable economy by 2030, stressing that sustainability, consumption, incentives, and taxation must be aligned to drive national growth.
He noted that NACCIMA is championing the planting of one billion economic trees across Nigeria to create jobs, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change.
On taxation, Ibrahim welcomed the planned exemption of micro and small enterprises with revenues below ₦100 million from taxation beginning January 2026, describing it as vital for capital formation. “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.
The NACCIMA President also called for reforms to reduce tax multiplicity, improve compliance through digitisation, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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He urged businesses to prepare for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, which Nigeria will host in Lagos, describing it as a historic opportunity to showcase Nigerian innovation and entrepreneurship.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to sustainability and Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda. She commended ACCI for sustaining the Trade Fair as a platform for innovation, dialogue, and partnerships.
“The theme for this year’s Fair is not just timely; it is profoundly strategic. It moves the conversation on sustainability beyond environmental concerns alone and places it squarely within the context of economic strategy and national development,” Abdurrahman said.
She highlighted Dangote’s investments in refining, cement, and fertiliser production as proof of the company’s commitment to reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and strengthening local value addition.
According to her, incentives and smart taxation policies are vital tools the government can deploy to drive innovation, encourage sustainable practices, and build resilient industries.
“At Dangote Group, we view our tax obligations not just as a legal requirement, but as a vital contribution to national sustainability. As one of the largest taxpayers in Nigeria, the revenues we contribute help fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“The Dangote Group is fully committed to walking this path. We are ready to be a key partner in building a Nigeria where sustainable consumption, strategic incentives, and fair taxation are the bedrock of our collective prosperity,” Abdurrahman added.
