The 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF), a 10-day event that ran from November 21 to 30 at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, concluded today with unanimous declarations of success, marking its firm re-establishment as Nigeria’s flagship trade platform.
The fair’s robust performance, which significantly surpassed attendance and business projections, was framed by a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s role in regional and international commerce and its global recognition as the Digital Trade Champion. Key outcomes included a projected ₦3 billion in commercial activity and a landmark national drive for MSME formalization.
A Historic Rebranding and Commitment to Digital Growth
This year’s edition was historic, marking its transformation and official relaunch as the Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF), after being known as the Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair (CITF) for the past 17 years. This rebranding signals Nigeria’s readiness to lead in digital trade and industrial transformation.
Held under the theme, “Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth,” the fair highlighted how innovation and digital solutions are redefining commerce and collaboration.
The opening ceremony, organized by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), brought together key figures, including:
• Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
• Sen. John Owan Eno, Minister of State for Industry
• Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of LITFCMB
• Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Investment
• Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN
• Mrs. Lucia Shittu, MD of Tafawa Balewa Square
• His Royal Highness Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Etsu Nupe), Royal Father of the Day.
In her opening remarks, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director of LITFCMB, reaffirmed the mandate to restore the Complex as a functional, nationally relevant centre for business, emphasizing inclusivity.
“Our goal is to create and sustain an environment where trade thrives, businesses can scale, and investment can flow freely,” Ndanusa stated. “We intend to make the fair ground a primary entry point for African trade, a marketplace where producers and buyers from across the continent meet… We are working to make participation more affordable to SMEs, women-led enterprise and young entrepreneurs.”
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, reinforced the platform’s importance, noting that it continues to shape the direction of business nationwide. “This trade fair is more than an exhibition; it is a testament to the resilience of our economy and a reminder that even in challenging times, our commitment to growth, collaboration, and partnership remain unbreakable,” she said, inviting international partners to deepen their engagement.
Quantifying Success: Record Exhibitor Turnout and N3 Billion Commercial Activity
The fair concluded with widespread acclaim. Vera Safiya Ndanusa hailed the 2025 edition as a “full-scale revival,” confirming that approximately 22,000 small and medium enterprises participated, securing new partnerships and reporting “brisk business.” The fair welcomed an estimated 10,000+ attendees and is projected to have generated ₦3 billion in commercial activity over the 10-day period.
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that the strong turnout was “a strong vote of confidence” in the Nigerian economy, reaffirming the commitment to export diversification and competitiveness.
Landmark Policy Outcome: Formalizing 250,000 Businesses
A core strategic achievement of the fair was the official rollout of the joint SMEDAN and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) initiative, which aims to formalize 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria through a free registration pilot program.
Charles Odii, DG of SMEDAN, highlighted that this effort, backed by presidential approval, is designed to reduce the high rate of informal businesses and is equivalent to injecting ₦6 billion into the MSME ecosystem by waiving registration fees.
“For the first time, this Trade Fair is not only an exhibition space, but it is also now a platform for formalization, digital inclusion, access to finance, and SME protection,” Odii stated, emphasizing the government’s shift towards data-driven interventions.
Partnership and Future Growth
Industry leaders, including the National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, urged the government to continue providing an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive.
The event was supported by strong public- and private-sector partnerships, showcasing its wide national relevance. Public sector partners included the Lagos, Imo, Oyo, and Niger State Governments, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, CAC, NEPEZ, NPA, NEPC, and OGFZA.
Corporate partners powering the Fair included First Bank, The Alternative Bank, Tolaram, Dufil, CCECC, Minimie, Munch It, Wazobia TV, Wazobia FM, Kellogg’s, Lagride, Lush Hair, Indomie, Power Oil, Colgate, Guinness, Fan milk, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery, Choice2Mobile Technology, and Perfect Trust.
With high expectations set, the LITFCMB announced that preparations for the 2026 edition would begin immediately, signaling the Trade Fair’s firm re-establishment as a vital fixture on Nigeria’s economic calendar.
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