Vice President Sen Kashim Shettima, at the weekend in Lagos said President Bola Tinubu remained laser-focused on building a resilient economy and ensuring sustainable economic development for the general wellbeing of the citizens and the future of the country.
The VP spoke when he officially declared open the Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair Fair 2024 at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, 14 years after the Complex went moribund.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is the beacon that is guiding the country towards a future of prosperity and sustainable development, adding that the trade fair is a powerful platform to showcase the resilience and innovation of the nation’s industries.
“It provides an opportunity to connect with global partners, explore new markets and foster collaboration,” Sen Shettima said.
Represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Regional Development, Mrs Mariam Temitope, the VP expressed delight that the Complex has been resuscitated and will be bringing back business activities which would, invariably, promote trade and commerce in the entire West African sub-region.
Sen Shettima said: “President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future of prosperity and sustainable development. The government is actively working to create an enabling environment for businesses, both domestic and foreign, to invest and grow.
“Our administration is emphasizing on the following for a sustainable private sector growth in Nigeria: Diversifying Nigeria’s economy, encouraging investment in all sectors beyond oil and gas; promoting trade, enhancing regional and international trade agreements to boost Nigeria’s commercial sector; and infrastructure development; investing in infrastructure to support industrial growth; prioritizing entrepreneurial support by empowering Nano, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs) to drive innovation, job creation and wealth.
“This Trade Fair is a powerful platform to showcase the resilience and innovation of our nation’s industries; providing an opportunity to connect with global partners, explore new markets; and foster collaboration.
“Let us work together to build a Nigeria that is prosperous, self-sufficient and globally competitive. By embracing innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and leveraging our abundant resources, we can achieve our collective aspirations.”
The grand opening ceremony took place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at the International Trade Fair Complex, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, leading to
Over 400 local and international exhibitors are already on ground for the 13 days trade fiesta at the resuscitated trade fair complex.
Sen Shettima observed that the two weeks Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair 2024 (CITF 2024), especially the reviving of this platform, are a testament to the government’s commitment to driving economic growth and development in the country and across its borders.
He reiterated the vision of President Tinubu to position Nigeria as a land of economic growth, driven by innovation; fostering entrepreneurship and development while strengthening partnership with the private sector. To achieve this he noted, the government has launched the National Innovation Fund among other programmes.
Shortly after the flag off, Mrs Temitope, accompanied by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Olajumoke Oduwole; the host and the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of International Trade Fair Complex, Barr Vera Safiya Ndanusa, and the Chairman, Stakeholders Association, International Trade Fair Complex, Mr Eric Ilechukwu among many other dignitaries were conducted round for a guided tour of the exhibitions.
In her keynote, Dr Oduwole commended the visionary leadership and ingenuity of the Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Barr. Ndanusa and her team for resuscitating the event, adding that it is a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
In her welcome remarks, Barr Ndanusa expressed joy for the revival and bringing back the trade fair complex that was abandoned over the past 14 years.
She noted that the event “marked a significant revival, a reawakening of a platform that has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic landscape”.
She said the complex was strategic to jumpstarting the economy, stimulating investment and job creation in consonance with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has been an invaluable partner in this endeavour. The dedication and support of the Ministers, Permanent Secretary, and Directors have been instrumental in bringing this trade fair to fruition.
“The theme of the fair: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Commercial and Industrial Sectors through Trade and Investment” was chosen to reflect our commitment to promote industrialization and economic growth in Nigeria,” she said noting that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex offered a unique advantage to industrialists and exhibitors.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Amb Bolaji Akinremi, said it was heartwarming seeing the revitalisation of the “wasting ground” being rejuvenated, adding that the Ministry remained a willing collaborator to take everything they do to international platform for marketability and attracting investors.
With over 114 Embassies and High Commissions across the globe, he challenged the exhibitors to leverage it to penetrate the international market with their goods.
In his goodwill message, Mr Ilechukwu said the stakeholders would support the Executive Director to realise the aim of reviving the complex.
“We need collaboration to revive this complex for better trade and commerce; we will partner the Minister of Trade and Investment to restore the glory of the Trade Fair Complex.
The Trade Fair Complex occupies about 365 hectares of land, and has over 30,000 businesses serving as a gateway to African markets and a catalyst to economic growth.
Present to witness the opening were the Chairman, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Dr Hafsat Oduwole-Balewa; Senator Saidu Suliaman; Regional Zonal Commander, Federal Fire Service, Ijeoma Achi-Okidi; representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) among many other dignitaries.
The International Trade Fair Complex located along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, was commissioned in 1976 as an international trade hub to cater for trade among countries along the West Coast.
The Nation
