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Tag: Trade Fair

  • Banks, breweries, foreign companies set for 13th Gateway International Trade Fair

    Banks, breweries, foreign companies set for 13th Gateway International Trade Fair

    Foreign companies from across West Africa have indicated interest in participating at this year’s Gateway International Trade Fair billed to take place between April 19 and April 29.

    Also, stakeholders in the food, beverages, health, agriculture and other manufacturing sectors, banks, as well as players in small and medium scale businesses have also indicated their interest in booking pavilions and spaces at the Trade Fair Complex.

    According to the organisers, companies like Leadway Assurance, Lafarge, International Breweries, Apples and Pears, Rite foods, Industrial Platform, Remo (Arise), GB foods, Bank of Industry (BOI), Gateway Mortgage Bank, Providus Bank, First Bank, Sterling Bank, Lotus Bank and several regulatory agencies, such as NAFDAC are expected at the exhibition.

    Read Also: Army dismisses allegation of bias in trial of soldiers

    The theme for this year’s event is “Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment.”

    The Ogun State Government had assured of adequate security of lives and property during the event, while other logistics have been put in place to make the trade fair a world-class event.

    President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade, while speaking on preparations so far, said his organisation has been working in tandem with the state government to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

  • ‘Why Trade Fair’s buildings were demolished’

    ‘Why Trade Fair’s buildings were demolished’

    The Lagos State Government has clamped down on illegal buildings at the International Trade Fair complex, Ojo.

    This was the effect of the special enforcement exercise led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,  Oluwole Sotire an Engineer, the General Manager,  Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority,   Kehinde Osinaike and  others from the State   Building Control Agency.

    The Commissioner, who supervised the sealing and partial removal of block works of some unapproved buildings, some of which were commercial premises warehouses and stores, said that the International Trade Fair was notorious for all forms of illegal buildings.

    Also touched by the enforcement exercise on the trade fair complex were structures under construction, amongst which were those erected on drainage alignments.

    Read Also: NNPCL restores production of 275,000bopd

    The commissioner decried the penchant for erecting buildings without approval, especially at the trade fair complex, where developers had been unyielding despite years of serving notices and stop- work orders.

    He stated that the trade fair complex being within the federal government land did not exempt developers from obtaining Planning Permits from the Lagos State Government as the Supreme Court judgement of 2003 had explicitly placed the responsibility for Planning on State Governments.

    He emphasised that the enforcement exercise would continue in the area until one hundred percent compliance was achieved.

    He urged all property owners and developers within the trade fair complex to approach the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority,  Amuwo District Office, to file in their applications and regularise their buildings.

  • 2023 Trade Fair: economic constraints blamed for low turnout

    2023 Trade Fair: economic constraints blamed for low turnout

    The current economic challenges impacted on exhibitors and visitors at the just-concluded 37th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITR).

    The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), organisers of the annual LITR, acknowledged these difficulties faced by businesses of all sizes and sectors as observed in this year’s Fair theme.

    President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, addressing this year’s trade fair theme “Navigating Economic Challenges: Forging a Path to Prosperity”, highlighted the resolve of the Nigerian business community to overcome the numerous obstacles to its existence, survival, and expansion.

    As part of its 135th anniversary celebrations, the organisers declared on Thursday, November 9, announced free access to the fairground for all visitors till the close of the fair on Sunday, November 12th, 2023.

    This, the organisers noted was aimed at ameliorating the harsh economic reality on many visitors and Nigerians, as they were urged to maximize the opportunity to shop for their household items and Christmas needs with massive discounts.

    Albeit, the effort of the organisers barely resonated with the exhibitors and visitors.

    Some vendors and visitors who spoke with The Nation blamed the harsh economic reality for the low customers turnout and purchasing power respectively.

    A hand-woven garments vendor from Ekiti state, Tijani Mojisola expressed frustration over the poor sales which she attributed to the current state of the economy.

    The Aso-Oke exhibitor rued over her participation in this year’s fair as she claimed to have sold barely one bundle of her product since the exhibition commenced.

    “I have been going to trade fairs in the country but this one is different.

    “The market is not booming and I pray we don’t end up blaming ourselves for coming. No market and I want to believe it is due to this period we are in this country that is why there is no markets”, she stated.

    “I’ve been here since the first day and have not even sold off one bundle.”

    A representative of an e-commerce platform, said “the current state of the economy has caused low sales and financial difficulties for many small enterprises. The discovery we also made is that the fair has more vendors than buyers.”

    Read Also: NNPCL restores production of 275,000bopd

    The Chief Executive Officer of Maikis Honey, Kingsley Nwaogu also bemoaned the state of the economy, attributing it to the skeletal sales despite the fact that the fair was saturated with quality products.

    “The experience has been cool. Though the economic situation of the country affected sales because the people don’t have enough money to spend as they’re managing what they have. The experience is cool but not as I expected”, he stated.

    “The challenge so far has been the pocket, it’s not full enough for people to purchase what they need because there are quality goods in the Trade Fair but the problem still remains the economic challenges that we’re facing.”

    Similarly bemoaning the sparse buyers turnout was Akingbade Olaide, a representative of Dekoolar Nigeria Ltd., a manufacturing company.

    “The experience has been okay. The challenge is that we don’t have traffic like we used to. People have not been coming like the previous years probably due to what’s happening in the nation.

    “The fact is that the economic situation has affected sales. But I believe when everything normalises, things will go back to the way they used to be and sales will be better”, she stated.

    Others, however, were more circumspect in their praise of the fair, speculating that sales would have been substantially higher in the absence of the present “biting” economic reality.

    “I’m sure if the economic situation was better, sales would have been better. But, I mean, thank God”, said Kenneth Okenwa, a Brand Communication Executive.

    Reacting, a salesperson who claimed anonymity said although the economy may have affected the fair, people are still making an effort to buy, and she expected higher sales over the weekend.

    “The economic situation has affected sales so much. Also, we can say maybe because this is the weekday that’s why we are not having any rush but Saturday and Sunday feels better and we hope to improve sales.”

    As for visitors, some were unable to shop at all and others, as much as they had desired due to their dire financial circumstances brought on by the harsh economic climate and ‘unfair’ prices at the fairground.

  • ‘Why we demolished buildings at Trade Fair Complex’

    ‘Why we demolished buildings at Trade Fair Complex’

    Lagos State Government has demolished illegal buildings at the International Trade Fair complex, Ojo.

    This was the effect of the special enforcement exercise led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.

    Olumide was yesterday at the Trade Fair Complex alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluwole Sotire, an engineer; the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Kehinde Osinaike and others from the state Building Control Agency.

    The commissioner, who supervised the sealing off and partial removal of block works of some unapproved buildings, some of which were commercial premises, warehouses and stores, said the International Trade Fair was notorious for illegal buildings.

    Also touched by the enforcement exercise on the trade fair complex were structures under construction, among which were those erected on drainage alignments.

    Read Also: Lagos International Trade Fair: Tinubu pledges support to unlock MSME potentials

    The commissioner decried the penchant for erecting buildings without approval, especially at the trade fair complex, where developers had been unyielding despite years of serving notices and stop- work orders.

    He said the trade fair complex being within the Federal Government land did not exempt developers from obtaining planning permits from the Lagos State Government, as the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 had explicitly placed the responsibility for planning on state governments.

    He said that the enforcement exercise would continue in the area until 100 per cent compliance was achieved.

    He urged property owners and developers within the trade fair complex to approach the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority,  Amuwo District Office, to file in their applications and regularise their buildings.

  • Lagos International Trade Fair: Tinubu pledges support to unlock MSME potentials

    Lagos International Trade Fair: Tinubu pledges support to unlock MSME potentials

    President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to providing the necessary support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their full potential and ensure their long-term success.

    Tinubu, said this at the 2023 Edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday in Lagos.

    The event has its theme as, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.

    He was represented by Mrs Lucia Shittu, Chief Executive Officer, Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB).

    Recognising the vital role that MSMEs play in the Nigerian economy, Tinubu stressed the government’s responsibility to support these businesses, considering that they are the lifeblood of economic prosperity.

    “It is our duty to provide them with the necessary support and resources they need to flourish.

    “We would continue to create policies, provide access to finance and capacity building initiatives that will empower these enterprises to reach new heights of success,” he said.

    Tinubu, however, emphasised the need for MSMEs to embrace technology, innovation and adapt to evolving consumer demands.

    By doing, he said, Nigerian MSMEs would be better positioned not just as participants in the global marketplace, but as leaders and innovators, setting the pace for others to follow.

    “Let us forge ahead, with determination, resilience, and a shared vision for a Nigeria that stands tall on the world stage,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, said the event’s theme showed the importance of businesses connecting, knowing fully well that no business organisation could survive on its own.

    Sanwo-olu was represented by Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem.

    He said the fair provided another huge 10-day window for businesses to showcase their products and services, gain great marketing mileage and fresh opportunity for networking with other businesses.

    According to him, the platform is timely, very strategic, and transformative as it will further build the investment ecosystems to support more competitive investment opportunities in Nigeria.

    The governor noted that while some would describe the youth’s population as a challenge to be managed; he called it a great potential to be unleashed in the state and nation at large.

    He said there was need for a different approach to attract potential investors, both in Lagos and across the country

    “I want to reassure you that the Lagos State Government would continue to be your partner in progress towards ensuring conducive business environment for investments to thrive in the state.

    “We are very much aware that our quest to move Lagos, our dear state, from Nigeria’s biggest commercial city to become a mega or smart city, running on 21st Century economic dynamics, will depend, to a large extent, on our political will to effectively tackle various challenges confronting businesses.

    “For us, we see the challenges as great opportunities for further investment and our administration is not only working assiduously to change the narratives, we are also ready to work with willing investors.

    “This will help to expand the infrastructure for the benefit of our businesses in particular, our state and nation in general,” he said.

    Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, President, LCCI, said the Fair has, over the years, grown to be another significant milestone in the economic life of Nigeria and the broader African continent.

    Olawale-Cole said Lagos, Africa’s fifth largest economy, finds itself at another critical juncture in Nigeria’s economic history, facing substantial challenges while holding immense potential for growth and prosperity.

    He said the year’s theme; “Navigating Economic Challenges”, underscored the determination of the Nigerian business community to overcome its many hurdles of existence, survival, and growth.

    “Nigeria’s economy, like many others, has been impacted by global economic shocks and geopolitical uncertainties.

    “It calls upon us to acknowledge the difficulties we face while inspiring us to seek solutions, embrace new opportunities, and develop innovative strategies to foster economic growth.

    Read Also: Tinubu welcomes repatriation of $150mn Abacha loot by France

    “In spite of these challenges, we stand here today, showcasing the resilience of our people and our unwavering commitment to progress.

    “We stand on the threshold of change, as Nigeria and Lagos State work tirelessly to diversify their economies, reduce dependency on oil, and pave the way for inclusive growth.

    “Let us rise to the occasion, harness the power of innovation, and work together to forge a path to prosperity as we look at the challenges and focus on the immense possibilities that lie ahead,” he said.
    (NAN)

  • 3,000 exhibitors from 60 countries to participate in trade fair

    Over 3,000 exhibitors from over sixty countries including Nigeria, Italy, China, Switzerland and the United States will gather at, Messe Dusseldorf , Germany between October 16, 2019 and October 23, 2019, to discuss current trends and set the future for the plastic and rubber industry for the K Fair international.

    According to a statement by the organisers, the trade fair will provide a robust platform for leading players and exhibitors in the sector to present and experience innovative developments that will shape their business.

    K  Fair, the statement said is held at tri-annual intervals and represents the plastics and rubber industry’s production chain in unparalleled depth and breadth.

    At the last K fair in 2016, 3,293 exhibitors gathered at Messe Dusseldorf, Germany, for eight activity-filled days of insights into the newest developments and technologies of the industry.

    This year, the focus at K Fair the statement added will be on plastics for sustainable development and circular economies, and will feature topics such as water management and renewable energy.

    In addition to this, K Fair 2019 will also focus on the digitalization of the value-added chain, system integration and promotion of young professionals for the industry.

    According to Global Portfolio Director for Plastics & Rubber at Messe Dusseldorf, Petra Cullmann, who spoke at the K 2019 press briefing, held in Lagos ,he  said “this year’s K trade fair will show an increased responsibility from the plastics and rubber industry’s dedication to designing machines that create products that are easily recyclable”.

    Read also: Lagos Trade Fair Complex not for sale, says BPE

    She also described the importance of “educating people around the globe about the value of plastics and how it should be used and re-used”.

    Sarsoli Industries, a Nigerian based plastics additive manufacturer, will be exhibiting at the K Fair for the third time. When asked about why Sarsoli Industries continues to exhibit at K, Managing Director of Sarsoli Industries, Jaiprakash Changrani, who also spoke at the press briefing said, “ K is a trade fair that attracts a high calibre of visitors and exhibitionists in the plastics and rubber industry. It is an honour to be placed within that category of the best”.

    He also hopes to see a rise in the number of African exhibitors at K, stating that Africa has a largely “untapped but valued market potential for plastics and rubber”.

    Visitors at K 2019 can expect an extensive line up of exhibitors and specially curated sections, such as the “Bioplastics Business Breakfast”, which focuses on the role and market potential for biopolymers, and the Science Campus, which encourages discourse between research and industry. They will also be able to visit one of the rubber hot spots at K 2019, the “Rubberstreet”, which is a window into the world of rubber and elastomers.

    K  Fair is the performance barometer for the entire plastics and rubber industry, and remains at the forefront for global innovations.

    It provides an indispensable networking community of industry leaders, producers and consumers. In the wake of current debates concerning the potential management of resources and efficient processing of plastics, K Fair  2019 promises to serve as an international platform for information, innovation and communication about the future of the industry.

  • Lifemate showcase new products at trade fair

    LIFEMAKE Nigeria Limited  explained that it is showcasing its new products at the ongoing 32nd Lagos International trade fair.

    This, it is said, is to make life better for Nigerians, why it has thrown the door  open for interested individuals and corporate bodies who are interested to be distributors, to obtain franchise right to deal on their products and sign up with them.

    It said a lot has been put together to ensure that customers and visitors to its stand get excellent services beyond their expectations.

    Public relation officer, Lifemate , Mrs Ejiemhen Orebayo said the firm has put in great efforts to ensure that customers are comfortable with its over 400 square meter space at the trade fair venue.

    Some new products showcased ranges from home furnitures, office furnitures, outdoor furnitures, kitchen Cabinets, sanitary wares and massage chairs.

    She said aside guaranteed discounts on their products for customers, the firm  also is  gaving away free gifts and instant gift items for every item purchased.

    Orebayo said, “We are offering mouth-watering discounts. Customers are given special discounts cards at the fair  which they can use to claim special discounts at any showroom of the firm located in Lekki, Ikeja, Warri, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Abuja, after the fair and throughout this month.”

    She added that the furniture company has deployed special and skilled personnel that will attend to customers while also sharing products knowledge at the same time.

  • What to expect today: Black Friday at Lagos Trade Fair

    Today has been declared as Black Friday by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the organisers of the Lagos International Trade Fair. It said the Black Friday will witness more discounts on products at the fair.

    The Lagos International Trade Fair, which started on November 3, has attracted hundreds of brands. The brands range from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to industrial produce. Before today, visitors have been buying products at promo prices.

    A young lady, who introduced herself as  Stephanie said: “You don’t know how happy I am to have this.” Stephanie was a able to get a blender for N4, 000 and she was given an additional kitchen item free of charge.

    According to Sola Oyetayo, chairman, Trade Promotions Board of LCCI, people should expect to get products at ridiculously cheap prices today. The furniture section at the fair has the likes of Lifemate, Bedmate and Master Furniture with big show rooms stocked with irresistible designs and architectures. This writer found some furniture items offered at 60 per cent discounts. Kwese TV and Startimes are also at the trade fair and people, who visited their booths enjoyed special offers. Also at the fair, Foton buses are being sold at cheaper prices. Instant gifts are being shared inside Tecno Mobile’s booth.

    The trade fair is full of wonderful experiences. Entertainment in form of music and dancing is going on at every section. Religious brands are also being showcased. Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International (FGBMFI) sets up a meet-and-talk area, where professionals, who are interested in knowing more about the group are welcomed. Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) is there displaying spiritual books and also at the fair with a small team of choirs to provide spirit-filled musicals. Most interesting is the parade of food canteens at the trade fair. They offer sumptuous home-made-kind-of meals, which are also at ridiculously cheap prices. This writer also discovered a cozy air-conditioned room fitted with lighting gadgets, where the creative imaging company, Studio 24, offers free pictures when you pay for the make-up. Black Friday will be fun here.

  • Trade fair complex: ‘Revocation’ll discourage investors’

    Reactions have continued to trail the purported revocation of the concession of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on Mile 2-Badagary Expressway, Lagos which Aulic Nigeria Limited won in 2007 under the Federal Government’s Privatisation programme.

    Aulic Nigeria Limited bidded for and won the concession of the complex for N40 billion in 30 years. The area Aulic won as the concessionaire was 322 hectares of land.

    Senate Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola asked the Senate to summon the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Idris and the Director-General of the Directorate of State Security (DSS), Daura to assist the Ministry of Commerce and Investment as well as the BPE to eject Aulic Nigeria Limited and recover about N6.5 billion accrued revenue over a nine-year period from the company.

    Reacting to the allegation, the concessionaire, Aulic Nigeria Limited, has said the claim was a tissue of lies. It, therefore, urged the police and the DSS to disregard Senator Adeola’s advice  with regards to its ejection from the complex. It maintained that there was no N6.5 billion accrued revenue to recover in the agreement it signed with the BPE in 2007.

    However, Company Secretary and Counsel to Aulic Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dan Udeh said Aulic was not indebted to anybody.

    He said: “Nigeria wants to make its economy grow by encouraging partnerships with local and international stakeholders. If it takes decisions that are inimical to business, it will lose those who have shown interest in developing her economy. How fair is it to allow its citizen to manage one of its assets in a concession agreement of N40b for 30 years and wants to terminate the same concession after nine years, using non-remittance of money to Federal Government as subterfuge?

    “The Federal Government agreed to hand over the entire 322 hectares of land that comprises the complex, but it actually handed over less than 20 per cent of the area under agreement and it wants Aulic to pay for rents it never collected. It is against the logic of fairness.”

    The Company Secretary maintained that Aulic Nigeria Limited as a concessionaire should be encouraged instead of being vilified.

    Udeh regretted that money traders should have paid to Aulic as the concessionaire to enable him remit money to the Federal Government was not paid to the company.

    He said: “Under the concession agreement, all monies paid to government should have been paid to Aulic, which will then fulfill its final obligation to government. The traders’ associations have never paid to Aulic and they keep saying we owe N40 billion.”

    Udeh said he understood that NCP has invited bids for the trade fair complex; even as he warned any person or group interested in bidding for the said complex to desist from doing so or purchase a cylinder of litigations.

    “This is because it will be foolhardy for any sane person or group to buy a property whose case is still pending in the law court.

    “Again, the concession process had an international posture because many international groups were involved in the process as partners. Any further harassment or intimidation may warrant seeking justice in the International Court of Justice.”

  • Binatone unveils trade fair bonanza

    Binatone unveils trade fair bonanza

    Electronics manufacturer, Binatone, has disclosed its plans to participate at this year’s Lagos International Trade Fair, holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square Complex, Onikan, Lagos, between November 3 and 12. The firm said it will reward its customers with fabulous discounts of up to 10 per cent, plus free gifts galore on every purchase during the fair.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Prasun Banerjee, disclosed that Binatone products like Multi Cookers, Air fryers, Electric Hot Plates, Hair dryers, Hair clippers, etc. will be given out to customers upon the purchase of select Binatone products at the Fair.

    Unveiling the company’s products line-up, Banerjee disclosed that a full range of Binatone products that will be on display during the fair include the first of its kind, innovative new Binatone tower music fan with Bluetooth pairing, Designer ITAL 1660 stand fan, New 18″ stand fan ES1850, TS 2020 –unique high power 20″ stand fan, Blender model BLG 595 with unbreakable jug and ice crushing facility, JE 580 fresh juice extractor, a range of three and four litre jug and kettles and the energy efficient ceramic cooking plate for quick heating and cooking.  He stated that customers will also have the unique opportunity of buying Binatone’s new pressure pot with free transparent lid, new economy model table top gas cookers, heavy weight and high power 1200w dry irons, steam irons, and premium garment steamer for ironing “Babaringa” and “Boubou” clothes.

    “Another opportunity awaits members of the public to buy Binatone’s top of the range products at the Lagos International Trade Fair as we offer assurance to our customers with two years warranty on every Binatone product.