ACCI Opens 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, Calls for Stronger Business Connections
ABUJA, September 29, 2026
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has called for a more business-friendly tax system, improved infrastructure and stronger support for enterprises to enable businesses to survive, expand and create jobs.
Chief Obegolu made the call at the opening ceremony of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), organised by the Chamber with the theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy.” He said businesses continue to contend with inflation, exchange-rate volatility, high operating costs, infrastructure deficits and changing tax requirements, stressing the need for policies that promote production, innovation, investment and employment.
The ACCI President specifically called for the harmonisation and coordination of taxes, rates, fees and levies across the Federal Capital Territory to reduce duplication and compliance costs, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. He also advocated sustained government-private sector dialogue, affordable financing, simplified trade procedures and stronger support for local manufacturing and export-oriented businesses. He noted that the 12-day AITF, featuring more than 500 exhibitors and over 10,000 products, services and solutions, provides a platform for businesses to build partnerships, attract investment, expand markets and take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended ACCI for sustaining the annual trade fair, describing it as an important platform that connects businesses, investors, policymakers and consumers to exchange ideas and explore opportunities. She said the theme of the 21st AITF was timely as Nigeria implements reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, stressing that government and the private sector must work together to create an environment where businesses can survive, innovate and create jobs. Oduwole urged participants to look beyond product exhibition by using the Fair to build partnerships, promote Nigerian products and attract investment.
Also speaking, the 1st Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the 21st AITF, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the Organising Committee, government institutions, private-sector organisations, exhibitors, sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful staging of the Fair. He said extensive consultations and engagements were undertaken ahead of the event to ensure that the Fair responds to business needs by creating opportunities for trade, investment, networking and market access, while connecting Nigerian businesses with national and international markets.
Prof. Adesugba said the theme reflects the realities confronting businesses, including inflation, exchange-rate volatility, and high operating costs, infrastructure challenges, and changing tax and regulatory requirements. He stressed that sustainable business growth requires an enabling business environment, access to finance and markets, supportive policies, adequate infrastructure and stronger public-private partnerships. He urged exhibitors and visitors to maximise the Fair by networking, negotiating, forming partnerships and exploring new markets, while engaging constructively on trade, taxation, investment and the wider economy.
In a related development, the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr. Abhishek Singh, reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening economic and commercial ties with Nigeria, describing the AITF as a celebration of Nigerian enterprise and a gateway to Africa’s largest market. Singh said bilateral trade between India and Nigeria had rebounded to $9.2 billion in 2025/2026, adding that India views Nigeria not only as a trade partner but also as a strategic partner.
He said India’s participation in the Fair focuses on affordable technology and health security, while expressing interest in promoting two-way trade and exploring opportunities to “Make in Nigeria” alongside “Make in India.” He further highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria’s youthful population and India’s strengths in innovation and digital public infrastructure, particularly through startup partnerships that can create jobs and drive economic growth. He commended ACCI for its professionalism in organising the Fair and encouraged participants to visit the India Pavilion to turn business conversations into contracts and jobs.
The ACCI Director-General, Mr. Agbaidu Jideani, described the AITF as a strategic platform for businesses to connect with customers, investors, distributors, government institutions and international partners while exploring new markets and partnerships. He urged exhibitors and participants to go beyond displaying products and services by actively engaging, negotiating and collaborating throughout the Fair, noting that its impact would ultimately be measured by the business relationships, investments, market opportunities and partnerships that emerge.
Mr Agabaidu commended the Federal Government, FCT Administration, diplomatic community, sponsors, strategic partners, exhibitors, media and other stakeholders for their support, reaffirming ACCI’s commitment to promoting trade and investment, supporting enterprise development and creating opportunities for businesses to grow and compete. “Come with expectations, leave with connections. Turn those connections into opportunities, and turn those opportunities into prosperity,” he said.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, ACCI recognised four distinguished women in business who are members of the Chamber for their contributions to enterprise development. The award recipients were Arc. (Mrs.) Adeshina Rifkatu Bukola, CEO, A&Shine Honey; Dr. Ezenwokike Chinyere, Chief Executive, Divine Gold Global Consult; Lady Helen Ugonna Uchechukwu, Executive Managing Director/Co-Founder, Window Story Nigeria Ltd.; and Hajia Asiya Magaji, CEO, Alaaf Mega.
The Deputy Director-General of ACCI, Dr. Tinuke Temitope, who introduced the award recipients and read their citations, said the recognition underscores the Chamber’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in enterprise and expanding their access to markets, finance, information, and technology.
