AITF 26 Opens: Oduwole, ACCI Rally Businesses for Partnerships, Edo State Woos Investors
Oru Leonard
The 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), has officially opened in Abuja, with the Federal Government, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), ECOWAS Commission and participating states calling on businesses to leverage the platform to expand markets, attract investment and forge strategic partnerships.
The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday at the ACCI Trade Fair Complex, Airport Road, Abuja, was attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, government officials, business leaders, investors, diplomats, exhibitors and other stakeholders.
The 2026 edition of the trade fair themed “Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy”, holds from Saturday 25th – 6th October.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ACCI Director-General, Mr. Agbaidu Jideani, said the fair was designed to provide businesses with opportunities to connect with customers, investors, distributors and international partners.
Jideani described the trade fair as more than an exhibition, saying it provides a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, explore new markets and build strategic partnerships capable of contributing to economic growth.
He said the fair was consistent with ACCI’s mandate of promoting trade and investment, supporting enterprise development and advocating an enabling business environment.
According to him, the Chamber advances its mandate through four strategic centres focusing on enterprise development, policy advocacy, dispute resolution and trade promotion.
The ACCI Director-General appreciated the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, for its support for trade, investment and private-sector development.
He also commended the Presidency and the President’s representative for attending the event, saying their presence demonstrated the importance attached to business, trade and investment in national development.
Jideani appreciated the FCT Administration for its partnership and efforts to strengthen Abuja as a destination for commerce, investment and enterprise.
He equally acknowledged the diplomatic corps and foreign missions for contributing to stronger economic and commercial connections between Nigerian businesses and the international business community.
The ACCI chief commended traditional rulers, sponsors, strategic partners, trade associations, business groups, entrepreneurs, investors, exhibitors and visitors for their contributions to the success of the 2026 edition.
He urged exhibitors and participants to maximise the 12-day fair by engaging customers, negotiating deals, exploring new markets and converting contacts made at the exhibition into productive business relationships.
“Build meaningful partnerships and turn the connections made at the fair into opportunities that will contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Jideani urged participants.
He also commended the media for promoting businesses, innovations and opportunities emerging from the fair, describing their contribution as invaluable.
ECOWAS Seeks Stronger Collaboration
Also speaking, Mr. Christopher Mensah-Yawson of the ECOWAS Commission, congratulated ACCI for sustaining the trade fair and continuously adapting the platform to the needs of Nigerian businesses.
Mensah-Yawson said the ECOWAS Commission would strengthen collaboration with ACCI to promote regional economic growth.
He encouraged exhibitors and visitors to use the fair deliberately to establish partnerships and gain a better understanding of the standards required to access regional and international markets.
Similarly, the Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Mr. Omoh Anabor, said the state had created an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
Anabor said the Edo State Government was willing to partner with ACCI, investors and other stakeholders to expand businesses and accelerate economic development in the state.
He said Edo was ready to collaborate with the Chamber and private-sector players to create opportunities for enterprise expansion and investment.
Platform for Trade and Investment.
The Abuja International Trade Fair has become a major multi-sectoral platform for domestic and international businesses to showcase products and services, identify new markets and establish commercial relationships.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors and about 100,000 visitors, with thousands of products and services expected to be showcased.
The fair is also providing opportunities for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements, investment discussions, networking and policy dialogue.
Key areas expected to feature prominently include manufacturing, agriculture, taxation, trade facilitation, financial technology, digital payments, food processing, sustainable transportation and environmental sustainability.
The 21st Abuja International Trade Fair is scheduled to run until October 6, 2026, at the ACCI Trade Fair Complex, Abuja.
