Abuja International Trade Fair Rakes in N1.5bn

Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja

The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Mr. Solomon Nyagba, has said the just-concluded Abuja International Trade Fair raked in revenue in excess of N1.5 billion.

Nyagba made this known to journalists yesterday in Abuja during the closing ceremony of the 14-day trade fair.

The fair began on September 23 and ended with fun fair and pageantry yesterday.

He said although details of the revenue were still being worked out to ascertain the exact figure, the total amount would not be less than N1.5 billion.

The ABUCCIMA President admitted the challenge of the outbreak of the Ebola virus which he said reduced the number of participants at the fair.

He noted with concern that most West African countries that used to have a large number of contingents were missing at the fair.

He, however, said a total of 217 exhibitors participated in this year’s edition despite the challenge of the Ebola Virus Disease.

In his words: “The fair has achieved its aims because a large number of participants from within and outside the country participated in it including 12 foreign countries.”

With improved facilities, especially the exotic tents we provided, the whole exercise was a big success. But we believe there is room for improvement and that is why we are already preparing for the next edition.’’

The president identified some of the challenges faced by the chamber in organising the fair which include power but however said that arrangements were already being put in place to address the challenges before the next edition to provide a  conducive atmosphere for exhibitors.

The closing ceremony witnessed the presentation of awards to exhibitors in 32 categories.
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) received the best exhibitor promotion of indigenous technology, Egypt received the best exhibiting foreign country, while the Bank of Industry (BOI) received the best support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as Taraba State received the  best exhibiting stand award.

Culled from: http://www.thisdaylive.com