Fair

The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) said the Cashless Policy adversely affected the just concluded 34th Enugu International Trade Fair.

ECCIMA President, Mr Jasper Nduagwuike, said on Wednesday at the close of the fair that the 2023 general elections also contributed to the low turnout of exhibitors.

Nduagwuike, represented by the First Deputy President, ECCIMA, Mr Odega Jideonwo, said that against all odds and bizarre challenges, everything went successfully.

He said that election years were usually with challenges, adding that the 2023 general elections were compounded with the misadventure of an “ill-conceived, very poorly executed naira redesign and the cashless policy syndrome.”

“The result is there for all to see. Anyway, I believe that in spite of all these, deals have been sealed, relationships created, and proper networks established.

“So, dear friends, the fair ends today and I must give my unreserved gratitude to the Nigeria brewery Plc, Dangote Industries Ltd, and Universal Insurance Plc who stood by us as sponsors.

“To all the exhibitors, I can’t thank you enough. We have indeed come, seen and conquered. Things can only get better,” he said.

The president also thanked all those who travelled the route with them, saying, “You believed in us, you shared our pain, you stood by us in the fair.”

Nduagwuike said he was aware that the fair did not meet the expectations due to some circumstances beyond the chamber but promised more resounding trade fair next year.

Thanking the participants also, the Vice President, Trade Fair, Mr Nonye Osakwe, said the chamber appreciated the effort of all the participants.

He assured them that the next year fair which will be the 35th edition would be much better.

The fair, which commenced on March 24th, 2023 saw Dangote Group of Companies and the Nigerian Breweries PLC coming tops for their sponsorship and active participation throughout the fair.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  trade fair which was scheduled to end on April 3, was extended by two days due to Mondays’ sit-at- home in the South East.

NAN also reports that some companies and business owners both within and outside Nigeria as well as Federal Government agencies attended the fair.

The theme for this year’s  Enugu Fair was “Harnessing Nigerian Human Capital Resources for Global Economic Advancement”.

NAN also reports that there was relatively low turnout of participants at this year trade fair when compared to previous ones.

The highlights of the event include dance and presentation of Certificate of Participation and Sponsorship to companies.

Ogun  Government says it is set to expose stakeholders to the numerous opportunities in fish and aquaculture products value chain through its organisation of the Fisheries/Aquaculture Fair 2022.

The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe, made this known in Abeokuta on Saturday while briefing newsmen.

Kikelomo, said that the fisheries/Aquaculture fair 2022 would hold from  Nov. 21 to Nov. 25 at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, in Abeokuta.

She said that the fair with the theme: “Value Addition as Catalyst for Sustainable Fisheries” was orgainised by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) in partnership with the state government.

Longe said the fair would be a platform to encourage stakeholders to further grow their businesses by embracing processing and adding value to their fish and aquaculture products.

She added that the programme would be beneficial to the recent groundbreaking of Nigeria’s first Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Ilishan Remo by Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.

“The Fisheries and Aquaculture Fair is coming at a good time because of the many benefits it offers to the good people of our dear state and the development of agriculture, as well as trade and commerce.

“The fair is also coming at a time when we are developing a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, an industrial area. that will be dedicated to processing agricultural produce.

“Beyond sales, increase in brand awareness, exhibitors have the opportunity of learning new trends in fishery and aquaculture, as well as networking with relevant stakeholders”, Longe said.

The commissioner, who lauded the OGUNCCIMA for its diligent and proactive approach to making this year’s edition the best in the history of the event, urged residents to take advantage of the fair to build their capacity.

Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr  Adeola Odedina, represented by the Deputy Director  Fishery,  Mr Jamiu Ismail, said that the fair would help the state continue to consolidate its position as the largest producer of fish and aquaculture products in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, President, OGUNCCIMA, Mr Mike Akingbade, said that the fair was designed for fish farming value chain industries to showcase their products and services to create awareness and to examine the market trend and opportunities available.

Akingbade said that the collaboration between the Ogun government and the Business Membership Organisation, had helped to increase productivity and had encouraged and developed Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the influx of investors into the state.

Customers at the ongoing 17th Abuja International Trade Fair, on Friday expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the fair.

The exhibitors also commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the private sector and other stakeholders for ensuring a hitch-free event.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 4 declared open the trade fair with the theme: “Creating an Export-Ready Market Through SMEs Digitisation’’.

Represented by Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Buhari recognised the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs to the economy, adding that developing the sector remained one of the priority areas of his administration.

While commending the exhibitors for displaying high quality goods at affordable prices, they urged the Federal Government to provide the necessary infrastructure, particularly machines and electricity to promote the activities of SMEs in the country.

According to Mrs Grace Nwosu, the products are surpassing my expectations and they are quite affordable when compared to prices in regular stores.

“This has shown that Nigeria is developing. Our products are beautiful enough to be exported and sold to other countries. We should be proud of our artisans,’’ she said.

On his part, Mr Suleiman Audu canvassed for increased sensitisation that would create the need awareness and attract increased patronage.

“The trade fair is an eye-opener for anyone who has Nigeria’s interest at heart and every effort must be in place to position made-in-Nigeria products the preferred choice,’’ Audu said.

Miss Ainau Hikmat urged government at all levels and the private sector to invest more in the activities of the SMEs.

According to Hikmat, the quality of products displayed here shows that SMEs operators have woken up to the reality of ensuring value addition to their products.

“They can do more if the needed support is provided.

“They need technical and financial support as well as capacity building to do more in packaging, branding and to meet the desired standard that will qualify their products for export,’’ she said.

Mr Kingsley Agwu, dealer of kitchen utensils and equipment, however complained of low patronage.

He blamed it on the rains.

“I believe that as the days progress, there would be improved patronage.

“This event is providing opportunities for manufacturers to communicate with product end users, handle customer complaints, and rewards brands, thereby, promoting businesses.

“It also provides an avenue for the distribution of trade, investment, market opportunities, and ideas that would greatly help sellers, buyers, investors, and the country to promote relationships in business,’’ Agwu said.

Similarly, Mrs Sadiya Idris a member of Greenland Natural Medicines said that the fair provided her opportunity to network with other producers of herbal medicine to improve her products.

“My focus is in the finishing, packaging of the products and efforts to raise the quality of my goods,’’ Sadiya said.

Mr Isaac Omoghkagbo said, “the trade fair is an opportunity to come with my family to explore the opportunities the event provides’’.

“It is an opportunity for us to get one or two items for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“The trade fair is the best place to source for products and update personal wardrobes as the goods were of high standard.

“I take up opportunities like the fair to restock my shop because I know that the products are durable and cheap,’’ Omoghkagbo said.

Also, Mrs Kelechi Uzoma, a dealer on local fabrics described the trade fair as a platform for brand establishment that would bring together various aspects of trade and industry.

The fair has given me a platform to showcase my “Ankara products’’ which is integral part of our identity as Nigerians.

“The resources that can be generated from these hand-made products are unlimited.

“Majority of what is placed on display here is created without the aid of industrial machines,” she said.

 The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said that made-in-Nigeria goods were receiving global acceptance due to improved quality thus the need to stimulate increased patronage.

According to him, the trade fair will provide a platform for the artisans to deepen their market and improve the quality of the goods produced locally.

Abubakar said that the trade fair would be a celebration of success in the advancement of Nigerian made goods.

While commending the Federal Government for emphasising the need to buy goods made locally, Abubakar said that the country needed to look inwards to grow its economy.

“It is important to find a way of ensuring that we do not spend our scarce foreign exchange in importing products that we can make in this country,’’ he said.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) says the 36th Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is positioned to promote economic integration, boost intra-African trade and Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment.

LCCI Chairman, Trade Promotion Board (TPB), Mr Leye Kupoluyi, made the assertion  at a press conference on Friday in Lagos

Kupoluyi  said that the LITF scheduled to hold from November 4 to 13, 2022 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos is with the theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.

The LITF organised by LCCI is the largest international trade fair in West Africa.

It offers opportunities for investment, trade promotion, and a unique exposition for manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and users of a wide range of goods and services.

Some of the objectives of the fair are to promote revitalisation and diversification of the economy, accelerate the development of commerce and industry, and promote made-in-Nigerian products and Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

Kupoluyi said that the LITF was crucial to promoting Intra-African trade in the face  of the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Highlighting some of the events for the 10-day trade fair, he said that the Africa Hall would be dedicated to African exhibitors to provide opportunities for cooperation in trade, industry and investment to promote AfCFTA.

“The objective of AfCFTA is to promote intra-African trade, however, the percentage of trade is about 18 per cent, which is very low compared to other continents.

“Over the years, LITF has always been a platform for many countries to interact. This is why we organise and bring different countries to one location to promote trade.

“We also have a new initiative called the National Hall which aims to bring exhibitors from each country under one roof to promote country-wide agenda uniquely.

“In the months ahead, we shall unveil countries that have keyed into this initiative.

“We are also committed to giving visibility to the latest innovation in goods, services and technology through the Special Day programme,” he said.

He listed some of the existing partners to include the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and United Bank for Africa (UBA).

He said that this year’s fair was anticipated to attract more visitors from within and outside the country than the previous year.

“We have received positive responses from visitors including businessmen, investors, customers, top government officials and those seeking joint-venture partnerships,” he said.

Mr Opeyemi Aminu, Chairperson, Operations Committee LITF, said the committee was working toward making improvements and changes to distinguish this year’s trade fair from previous years.

According to him, the intention is to raise the status of the fair by giving a better outlook in terms of arrangement, layout and ambience.

“This year, we are improving the ambience by transforming from wood-constructed shelters to insulated shelters.

“In terms of the layout, we are reintroducing sectorial groups where the same products and services would be grouped in sections. This would make it easy for buyers and sellers to interact freely.

“These changes would start this year and would be implemented gradually in subsequent fairs.

He added that LCCI was improving the security architecture to respond to current security needs and ensure the safety of participants.

The Chairperson, Marketing Committee TPB, Mrs Victoria Onafowokan-Obadina urged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  to participate in the Business to Business Meeting segment as it provides investment opportunities.