The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its quest to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, while stressing the need for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Stakeholders made the pledge at the opening of the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with the theme: “Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.”
President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said the government must ensure that economic expansion is inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven. He described the 20th edition of the fair as a celebration of two decades of commitment to trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
“Since its inception, the Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, and one of Africa’s most recognised trade events,” Obegolu said.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, called on the private sector to remain united in advancing the Nigeria First agenda.
“We must collectively drive the vision of a $1 trillion economy. The trade fair is not just an exhibition but a call to action. It remains a platform for reforms, investments, and partnerships that will shape our economic future,” he stated.
Ibrahim said NACCIMA’s global vision was to connect Nigerian businesses with international partners across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, while urging the country to leverage its entrepreneurial spirit to attract partnerships and reaffirm its role as Africa’s gateway economy.
He further noted that contemporary challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, resilient supply chains, and inclusive growth required deliberate responses, especially through empowering women and youth entrepreneurs.
Representing Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman emphasised the importance of government policies, incentives, and fair taxation in driving sustainable growth.
“The path to a sustainable economic future requires government vision and enabling policies. At Dangote, we are committed to being key partners in building a Nigeria where sustainable consumption, strategic incentives, and fair taxation underpin shared prosperity,” she said.
She stressed the need to embrace local value addition, citing Dangote’s refinery and cement investments as examples of reducing dependence on imports while creating jobs and strengthening industries.
According to her, well-structured incentives could fast-track private sector investment in renewable energy, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and other innovative practices that boost economic growth and environmental sustainability.
On the sidelines of the fair, the ACCI hosted the second edition of the investiture of its National Policy Fellows (NPF), inducting 12 distinguished individuals who have contributed to business and economic development in fields including academia, civil society, human rights, public service, SME development, and legislative policy.
Over the past 20 years, the Abuja International Trade Fair has hosted more than 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted over 1.5 million visitors, and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals and partnerships.
