After 14 years of hiatus, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex came alive again as the Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF) returned to its historic home, drawing traders, industry players, and government officials to what is being celebrated as a rebirth of Nigeria?s biggest marketplace for trade and investment.

The 10-day fair, which runs from November 21 to 30, 2025, is organised by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This year?s edition champions ?Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth,? with a renewed focus on sustainability, SME empowerment, non-oil exports, and digital enterprise.

As early as dawn on opening day, the complex was bursting with life. Exhibitors built their colourful stands, traders unpacked goods, and visitors flocked in, eager to buy, sell, explore opportunities or simply witness the complex?s rebirth. The bustling atmosphere signalled what many expect to be days of massive commercial activity.

The fair?s return marks the end of long years of administrative challenges and stalled development that left the complex underused, despite its regional importance. Now, the board declares it is ready for a new era.

According to the board, the event will provide a unique opportunity for exhibitors from all over West Africa to showcase their goods and services, engage in Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) exchanges, network, establish new business contacts and conclude business deals.

The opening ceremony attracted a lineup of notable guests, including: Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, Dr Mu?azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State, Hon. Ahmed Munir, Chair, House Committee on Commerce, Industry leaders and presidents of trade associations within the complex.

Executive Director of LITFCMB, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa (FCBA, NPOM), declared the fair a symbol of a new national direction for trade and digital innovation.

?Today is more than an annual event. It shows that Nigeria is ready ? ready to compete, collaborate, innovate and lead,? she said.

She noted that the board has embarked on critical rehabilitation of the complex, including improved infrastructure, better sanitation, tighter security, transparent management practices, and more inclusive access for SMEs, women, and youth entrepreneurs.

?We are not simply managers of physical space. We are custodians of a national gateway to economic opportunity.?

According to her, the complex will serve as a key entry point to African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) activity, helping Nigerian businesses expand across Africa and strengthening intra-African commerce.

Minister Jumoke Oduwole praised the management?s efforts, calling the complex ?one of the largest in Africa? and a vital channel for local businesses to access global markets.

?This trade fair complex was purpose-built to encourage trade and intra-African trade. The ministry is here in full force to support this revival and return it to its former glory,? she told journalists.

She commended exhibitors and partners, whom she called ?the real MVPs? of the fair?s success.

Former Niger State Governor, Mu?azu Babangida Aliyu, described the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as ?the basis of the country?s growth,? urging policy focus on reviving dormant industries nationwide. ?If we take this ministry seriously, I believe that many dead industries across the country will be revived.?

Also speaking, Eric Ilechukwu, President of the Stakeholders Association, who celebrated what he called ?the resurrection of Nigeria?s biggest trade fair,? while urging the federal and state governments to work together.

?When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. We need collaboration, not competition,? he pleaded.

Established in 1977, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex was built to promote commerce in West Africa and remains the largest trade exhibition arena in Nigeria. The board is legally mandated to organise trade fairs nationwide and hopes to restore coherence and national standards to exhibitions across the country.

The event featured a cultural dance by Art Naija Cultural Group and a poetry performance by Che Joy, showcasing Nigeria?s artistic heritage. (Daily Independent)

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