Lagos Trade Fair CEO Vera Ndanusa speaks on the demolition saga, revival of the Nigeria International Trade Fair, digital transformation, and President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic rebirth
“We’re Restoring Nigeria’s Lost Glory”: Vera Ndanusa Spearheads Grand Return of Nigeria International Trade Fair to Lagos
After years of silence, the famous Nigeria International Trade Fair is set to make a grand comeback this November at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
In an exclusive interview with Funsho Arogundade, Barrister Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director and CEO of the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board (LITFMB), revealed the vision behind the revival of Nigeria’s biggest commercial showcase — and how her leadership is working to restore the country’s lost glory as the “Giant of Africa” through trade and innovation.
Lagos Demolition Saga: “There Was No Consultation, No Notice”
Speaking on the recent demolition exercise at the Complex carried out by the Lagos State Government, Ndanusa described the action as “unlawful and shocking,” stressing that no prior notice was given to the federal agency managing the facility.
“Lagos State officials barged into the Trade Fair Complex and carried out demolition without prior information, while knowing full well that a federal agency manages the place,” she said.
“The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. We have our own establishing Act, our legal framework, and our constitutional mandate to manage and develop the Complex.”
She further emphasized that commerce falls under the Exclusive Legislative List, making it a function of the Federal Government. “We are not opposing Lagos State’s oversight, but engagement and coordination should come first,” she added.
Balancing Jurisdiction: “The Federal and State Must Work Together”
While some have cited a 2003 Supreme Court judgment that allows Lagos State to regulate certain structures within the Complex, Ndanusa insists that cooperation, not confrontation, should guide relations between both tiers of government.
“We’re all one government,” she said firmly. “You cannot have the Federal Government without the State, and vice versa. But where there is a conflict, the Federal takes precedence. That’s constitutional.”
She warned that unilateral actions could “embarrass the Federal Government,” especially since the President is from Lagos State. “We must protect the image of this administration,” she stressed.
Traders’ Welfare: “We Empathize, But Peace Must Reign”
Ndanusa expressed deep sympathy for traders affected by the demolition, confirming that her board did not authorize the action.
“We have met with affected stakeholders. I empathize with them. They’ve lost livelihoods. But we must maintain peace. We’ve started engagements with the Lagos State Government, and our lawyers are working to resolve the matter.”
She assured that despite the incident, the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair scheduled for November 21–30 would go ahead as planned.
“The ongoing reconstruction will not affect the Fair. Safety is guaranteed. The show will go on,” she declared confidently.
A Revived Vision: “This Fair Will Showcase Nigeria to the World Again”
According to Ndanusa, this year’s edition will mark a rebirth for Nigeria’s commercial reputation on the global stage.
“We’re hosting a Fair that will bring Nigeria back to her powerful status economically. We know what Nigeria used to be as the Giant of Africa. We’re not just going to be big brother anymore — we’ll be the giant again,” she said.
She credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing the political will and support to revive the Fair after years of neglect during the concession period.
“When I came on board two years ago, people thought it was impossible to bring back the Fair. But I told them, ‘never say never.’ Last year’s Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair was just a test — and it was a huge success. This year, we’re going full-scale as the Nigeria International Trade Fair.”
The 2025 Theme: Trade, Technology, and Transformation
This year’s Fair is themed “Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth.”
Ndanusa disclosed that the event will integrate digital trade platforms, fintech innovations, and emerging technologies, while maintaining traditional commerce and industrial exhibitions.
“The world has gone digital, and Nigeria is leading Africa’s innovation corridor alongside Egypt. We’re focusing on fintech, ICT, and digital ecosystems. They are the main drivers of this year’s Trade Fair,” she explained.
The 10-day event will feature B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-government) engagements, with opportunities for international partnerships, SME exposure, and investment deals.
“This year, we are tracking business deals and monitoring MOUs signed during the Fair. We’re working with SMEDAN, NEPC, CAC, and various Chambers of Commerce. It’s not just networking — it’s real business,” Ndanusa said.
SMEs and Global Opportunities: “We’re Opening the Doors of the World”
A key focus of the Fair is empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to connect with foreign investors.
“Our SMEs will meet foreign investors, see new innovations, and earn foreign exchange. Every participating country presents an opportunity,” she noted.
“It’s going to be a fantastic, robust 10-day fair from November 21 to November 30 — with fun, culture, and business combined.”
Institutionalising the Fair: “Never Again Will It Go on Break”
Ndanusa assured Nigerians that the Nigeria International Trade Fair has now been institutionalised as an annual event.
“It’s documented and backed by policy. This administration has given us the support and environment to sustain it. The Fair is back — permanently.”
With international participation from countries visiting Africa for the first time, Ndanusa believes the 2025 Fair will not only reignite Nigeria’s trade culture but also restore national pride.
“This is about restoring Nigeria’s lost glory,” she said with conviction. “We’re bringing back the energy, the business spirit, and the pride that once defined us as the true Giant of Africa.” Read More
