Nigeria International Trade Fair 2025 Kicks Off with a Renewed Drive for National and Regional Trade Expansion
The 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair has officially opened at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, signalling a renewed commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s position in both regional and international commerce. Organised by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), the opening ceremony brought together government officials, investors, industry leaders, and private-sector partners to mark the start of this year’s dynamic exhibition, themed ‘Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth’.
In her opening address, the Executive Director of LITFCMB, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa, reaffirmed the Board’s core mandate to organise trade fairs nationwide and outlined its strategic focus on repositioning the Complex as a vibrant, nationally significant centre for business. She highlighted efforts to support enterprise growth, attract investment, and foster broader sector participation. “Our goal is to create and sustain an environment where trade thrives, businesses can scale, and investment can flow freely,” she stated. “A truly vibrant trade ecosystem must be inclusive, and inclusivity begins with access.”
The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, underscored the fair’s importance amidst Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape. “This Trade Fair and this physical space continue to shape the future of trade and business in Nigeria, especially at a time where global uncertainty, ongoing economic reforms, and an evolving business climate demand resilience and partnership,” she affirmed.
The event drew participation from senior government figures, including the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Eno; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi; the Director-General of SMEDAN (Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria), Charles Odii; the MD of Tafawa Balewa Square, Mrs. Lucia Shittu; and the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Etsu Nupe), among others. Their presence highlighted the fair’s significance as a platform for investment, business expansion, and collaborative initiatives across different levels of government.
This year’s edition is supported by a robust network of public and private sector partners, including the Lagos State Government, Imo State Government, Oyo State Government, Niger State Government, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and the Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority Nigeria. Key corporate sponsors include First Bank, Tolaram, Dufil, CCECC, Minimie, Munch It, Wazobia TV, Wazobia FM, Kellogg’s, Lagride, Lush Hair, Indomie, Power Oil, Colgate, Guinness, Fanmilk, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery, Choice2Mobile Technology, and Perfect Trust, among others.
Running from 21st to 30th November at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the Nigeria International Trade Fair expects to welcome over 4,000 attendees and feature more than 50 exhibitions, product showcases, and business engagement sessions aimed at promoting investment, strengthening value chains, and supporting SMEs and large enterprises across Nigeria and beyond.
Founded in 1981, the Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF) stands as Nigeria’s flagship trade platform, connecting local and international participants to catalyse commerce across ECOWAS and global markets. Organised by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, NITF’s mission is to boost exports, attract investment, and foster industrial growth through credible events and continuous engagement.