The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, on Friday declared the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair open with a strong call for deeper collaboration, digital competitiveness and sustained support for the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
Speaking at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex held at Badagry Expressway, Oduwole said the fair, themed “Trade, Technology and Transformation: Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth,” was held at a defining moment as the country pushes to stabilise its economy and expand its regional influence.
Oduwole described the fair as more than an annual exhibition, calling it “a testament to the resilience of our economy,” especially as businesses navigate global uncertainty and adapt to technology-driven trade systems.
She urged African exhibitors and partners to take advantage of the innovations and products on display, stressing that Nigeria is increasingly positioning itself as a regional marketplace and gateway to West Africa.
“Nigeria stands ready to serve as an accessible gateway to West Africa and the African continent. There is a need for collective action to build a future where digital trade, technology-driven enterprises and regional markets drive sustainable growth. Let us seize this moment to collaborate, strengthen our economies and expand our markets,” she said.
Oduwole noted that the physical trade fair space continues to shape Nigeria’s commercial evolution, even as the world shifts toward digital platforms.
The minister described the progress recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as one which has “captured global attention and renewed investor confidence” through major reforms in the past two years.
She listed the unification of exchange rates, fuel subsidy removal, modernised tax and customs processes and improved fiscal discipline among the key reforms strengthening Nigeria’s economic outlook.
According to her, these decisions have yielded early signs of stability, including a steadier foreign exchange market and renewed growth prospects.
“These reforms are the building blocks of a Nigeria that is more productive, more competitive and more confident on the global stage,” she said.
She announced that intra-African trade involving Nigeria had grown by 14 per cent in the first half of the year—an indicator of Africa’s expanding commercial potential.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Vera Ndanusa, said the fair symbolises Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s evolving trade landscape.
She noted that although the complex had experienced years of structural and administrative decline, the current administration has begun a determined revival.
Ndanusa said the Management Board is legally mandated to manage and develop the complex as a national economic asset and intends to restore Nigeria’s statutory authority over trade fair organisation nationwide.
She also announced plans for a modern regulatory framework, deeper collaboration with NACCIMA, ECOWAS and global partners, and a stronger push for non-oil exports and SME development.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe of Nupe Kingdom, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, praised the fair as a milestone in Nigeria’s transition from traditional commerce to modern digital trade systems.
The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, said the 2025 edition of the fair took place during a period of major global economic shifts and domestic security concerns.
Saturday gathered that the fair has been planned to bring together exhibitors, investors, SMEs and trade missions from across Africa and beyond and will feature innovations, export showcases, business forums and discussions aligned with Nigeria’s diversification agenda.