Oduwole Unveils Bold Vision As Nigeria Positions Itself As Africa’s Digital Trade Hub

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, on Friday inaugurated the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair with a renewed call for stronger economic collaboration, enhanced digital competitiveness and continued backing for the Federal Government’s reform agenda. Speaking at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway, Oduwole said this year’s theme, “Trade, Technology and Transformation: Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth,” reflects a pivotal moment as Nigeria works to stabilise its economy and strengthen its regional position.

She emphasised that the fair represents more than a routine exhibition, describing it as evidence of the country’s economic resilience at a time when global uncertainty and rapid technological shifts are reshaping trade. Oduwole encouraged African exhibitors and partners to leverage the innovations on display, noting that Nigeria is increasingly emerging as a regional commercial hub and a strategic entry point into West Africa.

The minister reiterated that Nigeria remains prepared to serve as a central gateway for the continent, urging stakeholders to embrace collective action aimed at expanding markets, advancing technology-driven enterprises and stimulating sustainable growth. She added that physical trade fairs continue to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s commercial development despite the global trend toward digital platforms.

Oduwole highlighted key economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, explaining that policy decisions such as the harmonisation of exchange rates, removal of fuel subsidies, and the modernisation of tax and customs processes have attracted global attention and boosted investor confidence. She noted that these reforms are already showing positive signs, including a more stable foreign exchange environment and improved growth prospects. She further revealed that Nigeria’s intra-African trade volume increased by 14 per cent in the first half of the year, underscoring the continent’s expanding commercial opportunities.

The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Vera Ndanusa, stated that the fair reflects Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s shifting trade ecosystem. She acknowledged past challenges affecting the complex but said the current administration has initiated a robust turnaround. Ndanusa reaffirmed that the Management Board is legally empowered to develop the complex as a national economic asset and is committed to restoring Nigeria’s statutory authority over nationwide trade fair operations. She also outlined plans for a modern regulatory system, stronger partnerships with NACCIMA, ECOWAS and international stakeholders, and renewed efforts to boost non-oil exports and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Also addressing participants, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, lauded the fair as a significant step in Nigeria’s evolution from traditional commerce to modern digital trade systems. The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, observed that the 2025 edition is taking place amid major global economic shifts and domestic security concerns. According to industry observers, the fair is expected to attract exhibitors, investors, SMEs and trade delegations from across Africa and beyond, featuring innovations, export showcases and business dialogues aligned with Nigeria’s diversification drive.