Innovation, partnerships will drive Nigeria’s economic breakthrough – FG

The Federal Government has asserted that Nigeria possesses the requisite capacity to drive economic transformation across all sectors, leveraging innovation, robust private-sector partnerships, and strategic regional integration.

This declaration followed the successful conclusion of the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair in Lagos, which the government described as a powerful demonstration of the nation’s rising industrial strength and ambition.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, who was represented by Director of Special Duties, Aminu Dogondaji, affirmed the country’s economic vigour on Saturday at the closing ceremony.

Rimi declared that the fair “showcased the country’s capacity to drive economic transformation through innovation, private-sector partnerships and regional integration.”

He maintained that the event served as a “powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s industrial potential, investor confidence and ambition to strengthen its position as a leading export and manufacturing hub on the African continent.”

He stated that the strong turnout of international exhibitors and investors signalled that “Nigeria remains a premier destination for business and legitimate investment.”

He emphasised the Federal Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the business ecosystem and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting the trade fair’s role in export diversification and competitiveness.

“We are deliberately repositioning Nigeria not just as a participant, but as a manufacturing and export hub for the African continent,” Rimi added.

He commended Small and Medium-sized Enterprises for their resilience, describing them as the backbone of the economy, and challenged all participants to translate conversations into tangible results.

Rimi urged, “I challenge all stakeholders to translate the conversations of this fair into concrete actions, sign deals, establish policy partnerships and pursue industrial collaborations. These tangible outcomes are the true measure of our success.”

Corroborating the success, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Vera Ndanusa, affirmed that the Fair recorded a full-scale revival, surpassing all projections.

Ndanusa maintained that the sheer volume of transactions and the diversity of foreign participants proved the fair had “been revived completely”.

She cited the massive turnout and successful transactions, revealing that exhibitors reported brisk business, with many selling out their stock quickly.

Ndanusa said, “The visitors were in their thousands, and we had hundreds of exhibitors. By midweek, many stands were already empty because goods had sold out. This fair exceeded our expectations. It beat our imagination.”

She disclosed that stakeholders had already requested early registration for the 2026 edition, showing growing confidence in the fair’s upward trajectory.