The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for the reduction and harmonization of multiple taxes and levies, improved infrastructure, and easier access to affordable finance to enable Nigerian businesses to remain competitive and drive economic growth. This was made by President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, at the opening of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) in Abuja. The theme of the fair, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” reflects the challenges confronting businesses, including inflation, exchange rate volatility, and infrastructure gaps.
Obegolu noted that Nigerian businesses have continued to adapt, invest, create jobs, and seek new markets despite the difficult environment. However, he stressed that resilience must be backed by policies that encourage production, simplify compliance, and improve competitiveness. He called for continued government-private sector consultation, reduction and harmonization of multiple taxes and levies, improved infrastructure, and easier access to affordable finance.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government is working to create an environment where businesses can thrive, investments can move efficiently, and Nigerian enterprises can compete domestically and internationally. She congratulated ACCI for sustaining the fair and noted that resilience means the capacity of businesses to compete, adapt, invest, expand into new markets, and create jobs despite changes in the operating environment.
Oduwole emphasized that the success of a trade fair should ultimately be measured by what happens after the exhibitions, including partnerships formed, contracts signed, investments unlocked, markets opened, and jobs created. She said the government is focused on improving the business environment, reducing unnecessary barriers to trade and investment, and expanding access to finance, standards, technology, information, and markets, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, represented by the Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Akeh, said recent economic reforms have produced positive developments, but constraints affecting businesses need to be addressed. Akeh cited National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showing that Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.89 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2026.
Akeh noted that enterprises continue to contend with input costs, logistics, financing, labor, and market access. He called for stronger productive capacity, improved trade infrastructure, reduced transaction costs, and easier movement of goods and services. He also urged the government to ensure a tax system that is predictable, transparent, efficient, and supportive of investment.
The Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agbaidu Jideani, said the AITF has evolved beyond an exhibition into a platform connecting businesses with customers, investors, distributors, government institutions, and international partners. The 12-day event features over 500 exhibitors and more than 10,000 products, services, and solutions, providing an avenue to connect businesses with customers, investors, and new markets.
Key points
- The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for tax harmonization and lower business costs to enable Nigerian businesses to remain competitive and drive economic growth.
- The 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) features over 500 exhibitors and more than 10,000 products, services, and solutions.
- The Federal Government is working to create an environment where businesses can thrive, investments can move efficiently, and Nigerian enterprises can compete domestically and internationally.
