By Fatima Abdurrahman,Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) have pledged to mobilise the private sector in support of the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target by 2030.

Speaking at the opening of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) on Monday, NACCIMA President Jamil Ibrahim said the fair had become a rallying point for innovation, partnership, and enterprise, showcasing the resilience of Nigerian businesses.

Ibrahim said NACCIMA was committed to reforms that would enhance competitiveness, align Nigeria with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), and unlock access to continental and global markets.

“The Abuja International Trade Fair is not just an exhibition,it is a call to action. Let us reform policies to attract sustainable investment, mobilise for AfCFTA, and unite behind a Nigeria-first agenda that drives us toward a $1 trillion economy,” he charged.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s fair, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” the association’s president disclosed that NACCIMA is championing the planting of one billion economic trees nationwide to create jobs, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change.

On taxation, he commended the new fiscal framework, effective January 1, which exempts micro and small businesses with turnovers below N100 million from taxation, describing it as a measure that would boost capital formation and support MSME growth.

In his remarks, ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, described the 20th anniversary of the fair as a historic milestone, noting that the event had grown into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform and one of Africa’s most recognised trade events.

“Since inception, the Abuja International Trade Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas; attracted more than 1.5 million visitors; facilitated billions of naira in trade deals; and strengthened collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions and trade agencies,” Obegolu said.

He revealed that this year’s edition would attract over 100,000 participants across 12 days, with exhibitions spanning agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, creative industries, and environmental solutions.

Obegolu also announced the launch of “BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a new ACCI initiative aimed at celebrating African products, services, and creativity. He said the festival will feature art exhibitions, fashion runways, live performances, and investment opportunities designed to boost intra-African trade.

“This is more than a festival; it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa,” the ACCI boss stated.

Also speaking, the Dangote Group, one of the headline sponsors of the event, pledged its continued support for sustainable industrialisation.

Represented by Fatima Abdurrahman, the group said its investments in fertiliser, cement, and the massive new refinery demonstrate its commitment to sustainable consumption, local value addition, and industrial growth.

“At Dangote Group, we believe consumption is not just about what we produce, but how we consume. Instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, we must process more of what we produce here at home. This will create jobs, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen our economy,” she said.

She explained that well-structured incentives could boost private sector investment in renewable energy, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and other sustainable practices, while taxation should serve as both a tool to encourage innovation and a source of funding for infrastructure.

“As one of Nigeria’s largest taxpayers, we see our obligations not just as a legal requirement but as a vital contribution to national sustainability. Our success is inextricably linked to the success of Nigeria,” she added.

Abdurrahman urged stakeholders to take advantage of the Fair and visit the Dangote pavilion to explore innovative products and services, stressing that sustainability would drive Nigerian businesses to become more efficient and globally competitive.

On the sidelines of the fair, ACCI hosted the second investiture of its National Policy Fellows (NPF), inducting 12 distinguished Nigerians for contributions to business, academia, civil society, and SME development.