Just in: Ministers, Flag off 2025 Nigeria Int’l Trade Fair in Lagos

NASS Member, Estu Nupe, LG Chairman Hail Mgt. Board, Exhibitors

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Minister of State for the ministry, Senator John Enoh have hailed the resilience of the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos International Trade Fair complex, Barr. Vera Ndanusa for sustaining and growing the yearly Nigeria International Trade Fair since her appointment in 2023.

Speaking while declaring open the 2025 fair at the complex on Badagry Expressway today, Friday November 21, 2025, Dr. Oduwole said “The International Trade Fair stands as one of the largest gatherings of businesses, policymakers, investors, and innovators across Africa”.

According to her, “Each edition of the fair since last year, provides a platform where trade, ideas, and opportunities converge to push the nation’s economic agenda forward”.

Giving more insights on the theme of the 2025 Fair; ‘Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth’, Dr. Oduwole noted that “The 2025 edition is even more symbolic; coming off the global recognition of Nigeria as a Digital Trade Champion.

She added that the fair will highlight how innovation and digital solutions are redefining commerce, industry, and collaboration. This award signals not only Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital economy but also its growing influence on the global stage.

In her welcome address, the ED/CEO of the complex, Barr. Ndanusa said “We at LITFCMB are proud to present a platform where businesses, government agencies, and investors can connect, collaborate and find new avenues for growth driven by digital transformation. Our goal is to enhance Nigeria’s commercial landscapes by showcasing the latest products, services, and technological advancements in digital trade and commerce.

Barr. Ndanusa revealed that “We have undertaken critical rehabilitation effort, improving infrastructure, strengthening security and sanitation, reorganizing traffic flow, enhancing trader and visitor experiences and implementing more transparent and accountable management processes. These steps are not cosmetic; they are foundational and reflect our renewe3d commitment to transforming this complex into a modern functional corporative ecosystem for trade.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, explained that “Through this gathering and trade fair, we aim to open doors for significant digital investments, job creation in the tech and industrial sector and industry growth that will ultimately contribute to national prosperity in a globally connected economy.

Advertisements

He therefore encouraged the exhibitors and all those that have come for the fair to make good use the fair to grow their businesses and networks.

Also in his Goodwill message, the Estu Nupe and chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, who doubles as the royal father of the day advised the exhibitors to make good use of the fair to grow their businesses and commercial networks for future business expansion.

Earlier in an interview with Business Hilights, the former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Aliyu Babangida explained that the fair is strategic system designed to grow small, businesses to mega investments and therefore advised exhibitors to welcome attendees with open arms and be ready to deepen their businesses with more network connections.

Other key public figures at the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair opening ceremony included the Governor of Lagos State ably represented by the Secretary to the state government, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, House of Representative Committee Chairman on Commerce, and Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin LGA and so many other.

Also on ground are top officials of the strategic Lagos Trade Fair Complex Stakeholders Association, the major investors and developers of the complex to its current status of massive development. Some of the market leaders present at the opening ceremony included the chairman of the association, who doubles as the president of the Association of Progressive traders (APT) and his PRO, Hon. Stanley Great, ASPMDA President, Hon. Ngozi Emechebe, former ASMPDA President and BoT chairman of ASPMDA, Chief Dr. DC Offorkansi, Chairman of Magnum Group, Mr. Ike Magnus, President of Association of African Tyre Marketers (AFTM), owners of the Africa Tyre Village, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Aknabi, President of Mandilas United Traders Association (MUTA), Evang. CSP Emma Ezeani and so many others.

The 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair which started today, November 21, is expected to close on November 30^th.