2016 Lagos International Trade Fair: FG commends LCCI on trade fair

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the efforts of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) towards encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, through the introduction of the  annual trade exhibition, the Lagos International Trade Fair.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment,  Mr Okechukwu Enelamah expressed this in Lagos, on Saturday, during his official visit to Tafawa Balewa Square, one of the venues of the fair.

The minister added that the trade fair had, over the years, been able to add value to the nation’s business community, while at the same time transforming the country from being that of a job seeker to job producer

“The entrepreneurial activities of the international trade fair would most definitely transform Nigerians from being job seekers to job providers and greatly reduce the unemployment base of the country,” he argued.

He said that the solid relationship between the government and the private sector is timely and would consequently  turn around the economy of the country.

“I believe as we engage in a solid relationship with the private sector, such as this, the economy of the country will soon witness a positive turn around,” he said.

The minister disclosed that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the positive impact of the  Memorandum of Understanding, recently signed   between Nigeria and Singapore.

Participants pray for fair weather

What seems a major concern for stakeholders at this year’s fair is the unpredictability of the weather.

While many are hoping that the event would be rains-free, so as to enhance the smooth running of activities at the venue, others are, however of the belief that weather would not pose a challenge to the fair.

“What we are praying for this year is good weather. Rains could be a challenge, we just hope it doesn’t mess things up this year,” argued one of the organisers, who would not want his name in print.

“We always had this program in November, and weather had never, at any time, been a challenge. While we hope for good weather, we are also of the belief that there is no way this would pose a set-back to the event, even if we experience such,” argued Silas, a shoe seller at the Fair.