20th AITF Opens In Abuja

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to an efficient tax regime, policies, and programmes favourable for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs development in the country.

President Bola Tinubu stated this in Abuja during the opening ceremony 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 “.

The President represented by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole who commended the ACCI for its constituency and professionalism in organizing the trade fair in the last twenty years called for effective public private sector collaboration towards actualizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area of economic development.

In a message, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Nyesom Wike said the Ministry would continue to partner ACCI towards repositioning the economy of the Teritory for greatness.

While lauding the contributions of ACCI to the GDP of the FCT in the last twenty years, the Minister promised to continue to put necessary infrastructures and modalities in place that would enhance the growth of small scale businesses in the Territory.

In his welcome address, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu said since its inception, the Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, and one of Africa’s most recognized trade events.

Chief Obegolu stated that over the past two decades, the Fair has:
Hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas;
Attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors;
Facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships;
Provided visibility for SMEs, enabling them to access new markets;
Strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations.

According to him, as Nigeria’s economy expands, our priority must be ensuring that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven. This Fair will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to examine how consumption patterns, incentives, and taxation can be strategically aligned to promote responsible production, attract investment, and encourage environmental stewardship—consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Also speaking, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Jamil – Ibrahim congratulated ACCI on the 20th Anniversary of AITF and promised NACCIMA continuous support and collaboration to the Chamber towards actualizing its objectives.

He used the opportunity to call for more conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

Other Speakers at the opening ceremony which included Captains of Industries, Members of Diplomatic Corps, State Governor and other Dignitaries in Nigeria’s economy sector also congratulated ACCI on the 20th Anniversary of AITF and advised the Chamber to sustain the tempo towards enhancing national economic development.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji