The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged its collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to host the 19th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), recognized as the largest business platform in the FCT and its surrounding areas.
Arc disclosed this partnership. Ubokutom Nyam, the Mandate Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Federal Capital Territory Administration, during a meeting with the planning committee for the trade fair, led by Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, the 2nd Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the organizing committee and Mr Agabaidu Chukwuemeka Jideani, the Director General of ACCI.
The annual AITF serves as a vital gathering for businesses both nationally and internationally, facilitating networking, exhibitions, and service connectivity. Arc. Nyam expressed eagerness about the forthcoming event, committing to not only participate but also to ensure its success, which he believes will enhance the prestige of the city.
He commended the efforts of the ACCI in promoting business initiatives within the FCT and emphasised the administration’s commitment to establishing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework aimed at driving economic growth.
He stated that the ACCI will be part of the board while highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering a conducive business environment.
Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong elaborated on this year’s fair theme, “Mobility: Options for Transportation, Trade Finance and Taxation,” emphasizing the Chamber’s role in representing the private sector’s interests while working closely with the FCTA.
He stated that the ACCI is an integral arm of the FCT, engaging with the business community to promote economic activities. “Even though it is a private organisation, we are doing the work of the FCT from the private sector angle. Everything we do is to organise the body of the private sector in the FCT for businesses in Abuja,” he explained.
He lauded the Minister of the FCT for the evident progress in transforming the city, adding that this development would enable Abuja to compare favorably with other parts of the world shortly.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dogo Aliyu Wadata, also recognised the ACCI’s contributions to enhancing the business landscape in the FCT. He assured that the secretariat is actively developing policies to improve the ease of doing business in Abuja and pledged continued collaboration to ensure the success of this year’s AITF.
With a strong commitment to partnership beyond mere participation, the FCTA and ACCI aim to create a transformative impact on the business ecosystem in the Federal Capital Territory.The Director General of the ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Chukwuemeka Jideani expressed his appreciation to the Mandate Secretary for receiving the ACCI team and stated that the ACCI would be delighted to have the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, declare the fair open on the 23rd of September 2024.
The highlight of the meeting was the decoration of the Mandate Secretary and the Permanent Secretary with the AITF mufflers by Dr Hong and Mr Agabaidu.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media/Strategy Officer