Plateau Seeks Stronger Trade, Investment Partnerships at Abuja International Trade Fair
Abuja, October 2, 2026
The Plateau State Government has called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, organised business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other stakeholders to promote trade, investment and enterprise development in the state.
The call was made during the Plateau State Special Day at the ongoing 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) in Abuja, where the state showcased its economic potential and investment opportunities to businesses, investors and other participants.
The 21st AITF, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), is being held under the theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy.”
Speaking on behalf of the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, at the Dangote Special Day held on the sidelines of the trade fair, the 1st Deputy President of the Chamber and Chairman of the 21st AITF, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the fair had evolved beyond an exhibition platform into an important marketplace for businesses, investors, government institutions, entrepreneurs and consumers.
Prof. Adesugba said the AITF had continued to provide opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services, develop new markets, establish partnerships, exchange knowledge and create commercial relationships.
According to him, the value of the trade fair extends beyond transactions carried out during the exhibition, as it enables businesses to improve visibility, identify investment opportunities, access new customers and strengthen their value chains.
He said the fair also provides states, government agencies and corporate organisations with an opportunity to present their economic potential and engage directly with the business community.
Prof. Adesugba commended the Dangote Group for its longstanding partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its continued participation and sponsorship of the Abuja International Trade Fair.
He said the group’s support had contributed to the visibility, vibrancy and growth of the fair, adding that the partnership demonstrated the role responsible corporate participation could play in promoting commerce and enterprise development.
He described Dangote Group as an example of Nigerian enterprise and industrialisation, noting its investments in cement, fertiliser, agriculture, refining, petrochemicals and other strategic sectors.
According to him, such investments underscore the importance of developing domestic productive capacity, creating employment and reducing dependence on imported products.
“As we celebrate Dangote Special Day today, we therefore recognise not only a valued exhibitor and sponsor, but also a strategic partner in the broader effort to promote Nigerian businesses and strengthen the country’s productive economy,” Adesugba said.
He expressed the Chamber’s readiness to deepen its relationship with the group and explore additional opportunities for collaboration that would benefit businesses, consumers and the Nigerian economy.
Also speaking at the Dangote Special Day, the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said Nigeria’s economic resilience would depend significantly on its ability to strengthen domestic production, compete effectively and expand its export capacity.
Wali-Abdurrahman, who represented the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said businesses were operating amid inflationary pressures, exchange-rate adjustments, evolving tax policies, technological disruption and changing patterns of international trade.
She said resilience should go beyond surviving economic difficulties to include the ability of businesses to adapt, innovate and continue investing in the future.
According to her, Dangote Group’s strategy is focused on building productive capacity in Nigeria and across Africa, creating jobs, strengthening local supply chains, supporting exports and deepening value addition.
She listed cement, sugar, salt and seasoning, packaging, fertiliser, petrochemicals and petroleum refining among the areas where the group has invested in productive capacity.
Wali-Abdurrahman said increased domestic production could generate wider economic benefits by creating opportunities for suppliers, transporters, distributors, contractors, retailers and other businesses along the value chain.
She also highlighted the group’s Pan-African industrial strategy, noting that construction had commenced on the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Project in Lamu, Kenya.
On taxation, Wali-Abdurrahman described taxes as an important source of funding for infrastructure and public services that support economic activity.
She, however, called for a predictable, transparent and efficient tax environment that would enable businesses to plan investments with greater certainty.
She said an effective tax system should strengthen public revenue while supporting investment, innovation and competitiveness.
Wali-Abdurrahman also cited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex as an example of large-scale industrial investment aimed at expanding Nigeria’s productive capacity and strengthening its industrial base.
She said the refinery currently has a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, with an expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day planned under the company’s Vision 2030.
She added that the group’s long-term focus remained on industrial expansion, innovation, sustainability and shared value for its shareholders, employees, customers, communities and the wider economy.
The 21st AITF brought together stakeholders from government, the state Ministry of Trade and Investment and Commerce, the 17 local government areas, SMEs, business associations and other sectors of the economy.
The participation provided businesses and government institutions with opportunities to showcase products and services, interact with potential customers and investors, identify suppliers, establish business contacts and explore new markets.
The organisers said the 21st edition was expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors, showcase over 10,000 products, services and solutions, and welcome approximately 100,000 visitors.
The Dangote Special Day also provided participants with an opportunity to engage representatives of companies within the Dangote Group, including Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, NASCON Allied Industries and Dangote Packaging.
Wali-Abdurrahman said Dangote Group’s continued partnership with ACCI reflected the importance of platforms that bring businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders together.
She described the trade fair as more than a product exhibition, saying it also serves as a platform for ideas, partnerships, investment and commercial opportunities.
Both ACCI and Dangote Group representatives stressed the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in strengthening Nigeria’s productive capacity, supporting businesses and expanding opportunities for trade and investment.
The 21st Abuja International Trade Fair is expected to continue providing opportunities for exhibitors, SMEs, investors, government institutions and other participants to establish partnerships and explore new avenues for business growth and economic development.
Edited by Rosemary Aiyenale.
