Business and Economy
Over 500 Exhibitors Participating In 2026 AITF As Jisalo Commends ACCI’s Contributions To Economic Development
The Federal Government has promised to continue to support the private sector in the area of trade and investment towards actualizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area of economic development
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo who made the promise while declaring open the 21st edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI for sustaining the annual event which has contributed to the growth of economy within and outside the Federal Capital Territory.
While highlighting the efforts of the present administration in repositioning the nation’s economy for greatness, Mr Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo called for more public private sector participation towards realizing Government’s vision on economic growth.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry expressed his Ministry’s readiness to partner ACCI towards realizing its objectives in the area of entrepreneurship and trade development as well as capacity building on job and wealth creation in the country.
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole also restated her Ministry’s commitment to the development of small scale businesses and national economic development.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole who also acknowledged the contributions of ACCI to economic development said the present administration is working tirelessly to address infrastructure challenges hindering the growth of the country’s economy.
She therefore called for the support of all stakeholders towards ensuring the success of the Abuja International Trade Fair.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s edition “Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy” , the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu said the Chamber would continue to contribute its quota to national economic development
Chief Emeka Obegolu therefore called for more enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria towards ensuring job creation and poverty reduction.
“Over the years, the Abuja International Trade Fair has evolved into a leading platform where businesses meet markets, products meet consumers, ideas attract investment, and entrepreneurs discover opportunities for growth and expansion. This 21st edition reflects the confidence that exhibitors, investors, institutions, and visitors continue to place in the AITF as a marketplace for trade, investment, partnerships, and national development” He said
According to him, this year’s theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” speaks directly to the realities of our time because Nigerian businesses continue to operate in an environment marked by inflationary pressures, exchange-rate volatility, infrastructure gaps, changing consumer behaviour, high operating costs, and evolving tax and regulatory requirements.
In his words” In spite of these challenges, our entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, service providers, and innovators have continued to adapt, invest, create jobs, and explore new markets. Their determination demonstrates that the Nigerian private sector remains a vital pillar of our national economy. However, resilience should not mean that businesses are left to bear every burden alone. It must be supported by policies that encourage production, reward innovation, simplify compliance, and make enterprises more competitive”.
“The Abuja International Trade Fair is designed to create the commercial linkages that businesses need to thrive. This edition will bring together over 500 exhibitors, showcase more than 10,000 products, services and solutions, and attract close to 100,000 visitors over its 12-day duration and the Fair will provide opportunities for business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, product exhibitions, investment networking, policy dialogue, fashion and creative displays, cultural activities and consumer interaction” Chief Emeka Obegolu stressed
He explained that the fair further demonstrate that commerce, culture and creativity can work together to strengthen enterprise, promote tourism and create economic value.
“Behind every exhibition stand is a business seeking growth; behind every product is an investment; and behind every successful transaction is the potential for new jobs, stronger enterprises and wider prosperity.
As we deliberate on trade, taxation and the economy, our position is clear: Nigeria needs a business environment that enables enterprises to grow, invest and create jobs”.
“A sound tax system must generate the revenue required for public services and national development. However, it must equally be fair, predictable, transparent and growth-oriented. It should expand the tax base by supporting more businesses to formalise and prosper, rather than imposing burdens that weaken already fragile enterprises and of particular concern to businesses in the Federal Capital Territory is the challenge of multiple taxation and overlapping levies imposed by different authorities and agencies. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, often face multiple charges for similar or related activities. These additional costs increase the burden of compliance, place pressure on already constrained operating margins and can discourage investment and business expansion”.
He further stated that at the area council level, businesses also encounter various levies and charges, including those administered by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and other relevant authorities.
“We recognize the legitimate responsibility of government at all levels to generate revenue and provide services. However, there is a need to ensure that the various taxes, rates, fees and levies are properly coordinated, transparent and clearly defined.
We therefore call for greater harmonisation and coordination of taxes, rates, fees and levies across the FCT. There should be a clear framework defining the responsibilities of the respective authorities, eliminating unnecessary duplication and ensuring that businesses are not subjected to multiple charges for the same or substantially similar activities” He emphasized
Chief Emeka Obegolu therefore We urged the FCT Administration, the Area Councils and relevant revenue-generating agencies to sustain dialogue with the organized private sector in reviewing these charges and developing a more business-friendly system of collection.
Where practicable, a single, transparent and predictable payment framework would significantly reduce compliance costs, improve the ease of doing business and encourage more enterprises to formalize, invest and expand.
” Taxation should not become a disincentive to enterprise. Rather, it should serve as a partnership between government and business, providing the revenue required for development while creating the conditions for businesses to survive, grow and contribute more to the economy. When businesses are productive and profitable, government revenue improves, employment rises, investment increases and the economy becomes more resilient” He added
Earlier, the Chairman of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, AITF, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba said the successful organisation of a fair of this magnitude requires the collective efforts of the leadership and staff of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), government institutions, private-sector organisations, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, trade groups, security agencies and numerous stakeholders who have contributed in one way or another to making this edition possible.
“In preparation for the 21st AITF, the Organizing Committee commenced extensive consultations and engagements with key stakeholders within and outside the business community while particular attention was given to creating a fair that responds to the needs of businesses while providing meaningful opportunities for trade, investment, networking and market access” He stated
In his words “We engaged exhibitors and prospective participants, explored strategic partnerships, coordinated the participation of institutions and business groups, and worked to ensure that the Fair provides a platform where local businesses can connect with national and international markets and we have also paid considerable attention to the practical arrangements required to deliver a successful trade fair, including the allocation and preparation of exhibition spaces, coordination of exhibitors, programming of sectoral and business activities, stakeholder relations, media engagement, security and logistics.
The various committees and teams involved in the planning have worked diligently to address the numerous requirements associated with hosting an event that brings together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, trade organisations and members of the public” Prof Adesoji Adesugba explained
According to him, the 21st AITF has also benefited from the commitment of exhibitors and partners who have demonstrated confidence in the Fair by participating and supporting its objectives and their participation reinforces the Chamber’s conviction that the Abuja International Trade Fair has become an important platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, establish partnerships, identify customers, explore investment opportunities and expand their market reach.
“We are particularly pleased with the diversity of exhibitors and the range of activities planned for this year’s edition, which further strengthens the Fair as a platform for commercial engagement.
This year’s theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” is particularly relevant to the preparations for the Fair and to the realities confronting businesses today. Nigerian enterprises continue to navigate inflationary pressures, exchange-rate volatility, high operating costs, infrastructure challenges, and evolving tax and regulatory requirements.
The resilience demonstrated by our entrepreneurs is commendable, but sustainable business growth requires an enabling environment, access to finance and markets, supportive policies, infrastructure and effective partnerships between the public and private sectors” He emphasized
“As we officially open the 21st AITF, I encourage all exhibitors, participants and visitors to take full advantage of the opportunities available throughout the Fair. Beyond displaying products and services, I urge businesses to engage, network, negotiate, form partnerships and explore new markets. I also encourage stakeholders to use the Fair as a platform for constructive conversations on trade, taxation, investment and the broader business environment, because the outcomes of these engagements can contribute meaningfully to the growth and competitiveness of our economy”.
The opening ceremony of the 21st edition of AITF which was attended by top Government’s functionaries, Members of Organized Private Sector, Exhibitors, ECOWAS Commission , Members of Diplomatic Corps among others featured goodwill messages by stakeholders, tour of exhibition ground, presentation of Women in Business Leadership Awards to four Women Entrepreneurs and Commissioning of Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki House meant for the ACCI Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.
MATHEW AYOOLA