By Jonathan Lois
As Nigeria deepens its push to explore new trade frontiers under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is mobilising Nigerian businesses to participate in the upcoming Algiers International Trade Fair (AITF) scheduled for July 4–10 in Algeria.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Leymah Adebayo Audu, a retired Director of Trade and Managing Director of Stardom Rising Global Venture Limited, said the exhibition represents a strategic opportunity for Nigerian producers to showcase quality products, expand market reach, and tap into the immense benefits of the continental free trade area.
“This trade fair is not just another exhibition,” Audu stated. “It is a gateway to the vast African market made possible by the AfCFTA. The benefits are enormous, but they are not automatic. Exporters must meet the requirements—particularly in areas such as rule of origin, product quality, and value addition.”
Audu, who maintains a technical partnership with the Nigerian Pavilion and International Show Agencies (NAPISA), explained that the NEPC is leading Nigeria’s participation to ensure that only qualified, export-ready businesses represent the country.
The retired trade official stressed that the AITF is a key platform for building international business linkages, securing export deals, and demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity for high-quality production.
“There’s a message here for all Nigerians—we must begin to produce what we consume and consume what we produce. That is the only way to ensure sustainability under AfCFTA,” she said.
She underscored that beyond mere participation, the fair is a chance for exhibitors to align their products with global standards. “Don’t just take anything that people call ‘rubbish’ to the fair. The emphasis is on quality, standards, proper packaging, and certification,” she warned.
Nigeria, she said, is not just participating in AITF 2025 but is also positioning itself to host AITF 2027, a prospect that could place the country at the center of Africa’s intra-continental trade activities.
“The long-term gain is for Nigeria to become a continental trade hub,” Audu noted. “If we host AITF in 2027, we will be hosting the whole of Africa, and that would be a big win not just for the economy, but for our global standing.”
However, Audu reminded potential participants that the selection process for the Algeria fair is rigorous. “There are criteria,” she said. “Your registration with NEPC must be current. Export readiness—especially the quality, packaging, and suitability of your product—will be assessed. Certification and prior trade fair experience also matter.”
The NEPC has consistently advocated for non-oil export diversification as a pathway to economic resilience. Through strategic exhibitions like the AITF, the council aims to connect Nigerian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to regional and international markets.
As Nigeria prepares to send a delegation of vetted exporters to Algeria, Audu urged businesses to embrace the opportunity with professionalism and preparedness.
“Let’s show the world what Nigeria can do,” she said. “Let’s prove that our products can meet any global standard—and more importantly, let’s make those connections that will open up long-term trade relationships.”
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