By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has announced the postponement of the 2020 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair due to the economic disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent #EndSARS protests that rocked the nation.
According to the chamber, the fair which will feature both physical (in-person) and virtual (online) platforms, was initially scheduled to hold from November 6 to November 15, 2020, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, but will now hold from Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 13, 2020.
According to the Director-General of the LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, “The resolve to hold the 2020 edition of the fair is in line with the need for quick restoration of normalcy in the economic and commercial activities in Lagos State and our support for the ongoing “Protect Lagos” Campaign, which is geared towards rebuilding the Centre of Excellence.
“In addition to the General Interest Fair, the annual international business expo will also feature Special days for corporate organisations to showcase their inventions, innovations, and sustainability initiatives simultaneously with the fair.
“The focus, this year, is to facilitate trade and chart a way forward for the economy to exit the impending recession.”
Mr Yusuf added “The exhibition will also facilitate networking amongst exhibitors and between exhibitors and visitors. The Fair is expected to attract huge traffic of visitors seeking to take advantage of the networking opportunities and discounted prices.
“Corporate organisations including multinational corporations, indigenous conglomerates and financial institutions as well as corporate organisations from the West African sub-region have indicated interest to participate in the exhibition.”
The LCCI DG also emphasised that relevant agencies and departments of the government will be available to exhibit and attend to other exhibitors and visitors. He stated that agencies that have confirmed attendance to provide information and educate exhibitors and visitors are Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Corporate Affairs Commission amongst others.
Mr Yusuf then added that “so far, so good the excitement that the fair has generated has been phenomenal and we are indeed happy about our strategic partnership with our stakeholders.”
The Lagos International Trade Fair is the largest international exhibition in West Africa. The Trade Fair is the premier International Trade Fair in Nigeria with the spectacular 10-day event usually starting on the first Friday of November, annually.
Dipo Olowookere