20th Abuja International Trade Fair Opens as FG Reiterates Commitment to National Economic Growth

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to implementing tax regimes, policies, and programmes that will support the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu made this declaration in Abuja during the opening of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with the theme “Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.”

Represented by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the President commended ACCI for its consistency and professionalism in sustaining the fair for two decades. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, assured that the FCT Administration would continue its partnership with ACCI to reposition the economy of the Territory. He lauded ACCI’s contributions to the GDP of the FCT over the years and pledged sustained investments in infrastructure and support systems to drive SME growth.

In his welcome address, ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, traced the remarkable growth of the trade fair from a modest exhibition to Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform and one of Africa’s most recognized trade events.

According to him, in its 20-year history, the AITF has:

Hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas;

Attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across diverse sectors;

Facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships;

Provided visibility for SMEs, expanding their access to new markets;

Strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations.

“These achievements reflect the pivotal role of AITF as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and Africa’s integration into the global economy. The theme of this year’s edition underscores our determination to address urgent economic and environmental challenges,” Obegolu stated.

He further emphasized that Nigeria’s economic growth must be anchored on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. The fair, he noted, provides a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore strategies for aligning consumption, incentives, and taxation with responsible production, investment attraction, and environmental sustainability in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlights of AITF 2025

This year’s fair will span 12 days and is expected to host over 100,000 participants. Exhibitions will cover trade, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and the creative industries. Panel sessions will feature key institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria, FIRS, FCT-IRS, the National Council on Climate Change, relevant ministries, international agencies, banks, fintech innovators, and clean technology leaders. Dedicated SME platforms will also reaffirm support for small businesses as the backbone of economic growth.

Launch of BABA FEST – Buy Africa, Build Africa

A key feature of this year’s edition is the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), an ACCI initiative designed to showcase and celebrate African products, services, and creativity locally and globally.

The festival will include:

Live performances by leading African artists;

Fashion runways by top designers;

Immersive art exhibitions;

Exclusive investment and networking sessions;

Brand activations showcasing Africa’s global competitiveness.

“This is more than a festival; it is a rallying call for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa,” Obegolu added.

In his remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jamil Ibrahim, congratulated ACCI on the milestone edition of the fair. He pledged NACCIMA’s continuous support and called for a more conducive business environment in Nigeria.

Other dignitaries, including industry leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, state governors, and economic stakeholders, also praised ACCI’s efforts and encouraged the Chamber to sustain its role in driving national economic development.