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The Federal Government has commended Verifair Business Event, organisers of the three-day, 4th Africa International Trade Fair and Conference for paper product manufacturers, printing and converting industry, which opened yesterday in Lagos.
Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Mr. Tope Fasua, who declared the event open said the event was a well thought out initiative at this point when the Federal Government has taken steps to curb the usage of plastics which is posing environmental challenges in Nigeria. He described paper products as durable and resilient repositories of history and knowledge, affirming that the new IT devices cannot wipe away the long established system of paper, books and libraries.
Speaking in the same vein, the MD/CEO of FAE Limited, Princess Layo Okewo declared paper as the new gold and called on Nigerian entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities in the paper manufacturing sector.
The international trade exhibition and conference opened in the backdrop of surging consumer demand, with Nigeria’s tissue and hygiene paper market projected to touch $8.96 billion this year and a sharp rebound in demand for paper packaging across West Africa, fuelled by e-commerce boom and urbanisation.
Over 100 international and local exhibitor brands are showcasing state-of-the-art converting machinery, paper raw materials at the three-day show. Over 3,500 trade
visitors are expected while 300 conference delegates will attend the trade show which will showcase latest advancements in automated paper processing and high-efficiency manufacturing technology.
The event was officially inaugurated by the chief guest, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose Medebem, Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and
Investment in Lagos State.
“ProPaper Nigeria is an active platform that supports trade expansion as Africa steps up forward thinking policies for industrial self-reliance and sustainable packaging with environment-safe policies. The show also highlights that West Africa is not just a consumer market, but a rapidly emerging manufacturing powerhouse as well,” declared Mr. Jeen Joshua, Managing Director, Verifair Events.
The show focuses on sustainable local manufacturing in shaping Nigeria’s macroeconomic resilience under the official convention theme: “Pulp, Paper & Packaging: Unfolding Future Strategies for Nigeria’s Sustainable Industrial Growth & Global Competitiveness.”
