The Executive Director of the Nigeria International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Barrister Vera Ndanusa, has assured that the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair will go on as planned despite recent demolitions at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway.
Barrister Ndanusa, who gave the assurance in an interview ahead of the event, said preparations for the fair scheduled to hold from November 21 to 30 are in top gear, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a successful outing.
According to her, the fair’s revival after a 14-year break marks the restoration of its original identity as Nigeria’s foremost commercial hub and a gateway to the West African market.
“The Trade Fair has returned to its original name to give it continuity and reaffirm its position as the commercial nerve centre of Africa,” Ndanusa stated. “Our focus is on reviving the Fair as a platform for business growth, innovation, and regional trade integration.”
She explained that the 2025 edition would spotlight small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which remain central to Nigeria’s economic development.Participating businesses will have access to buyers, investors, and export opportunities across Africa.
“No nation can grow without its SMEs,” she noted. “We are creating direct access for them to connect with investors and distributors, including match-making sessions, financing opportunities, and digital platforms to boost visibility.”
The Executive Director further revealed that this year’s fair will introduce digital innovations, including online exhibition catalogues, e-commerce workshops, and technology-focused pavilions to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the digital economy.
On concerns over the recent demolitions at the complex, Barrister Ndanusa clarified that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding between federal and state agencies regarding building approvals.
She, however, maintained that the situation is under control and will not affect the event.
“The Trade Fair Complex is a federal property under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The recent misunderstanding is being resolved amicably. I want to assure Nigerians and our international partners that the 2025 Trade Fair will hold peacefully, and all security and safety arrangements are in place,” she said.
The 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair, themed “Gateway to the $700 Billion ECOWAS Market,” is expected to attract exhibitors and investors from across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Organisers say the event will promote cross-border trade, foreign investment, job creation, and technology transfer while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic revitalisation agenda.