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By Merit Ibe
The organised private sector (OPS) has asserted that the right granted Nigeria by the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos reaffirms the country’s central role in Africa’s trade integration agenda.
Extending its congratulations to the Federal Government on the announcement, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) described the development as a national honour and a continental responsibility, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting sustainable economic growth across Africa.
The association believes that hosting IATF 2027 in Lagos will create an unparalleled platform for Nigerian businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to showcase their products, services, and innovations to African and global markets.
“NACCIMA recognises the immense benefits that this prestigious event will bring.
“As the umbrella body of the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria, NACCIMA has committed to mobilising its extensive network of chambers of commerce and strategic partners to ensure active private sector participation and to maximise the accruable benefits of IATF 2027 for Nigerian businesses.
“The association has commended the Federal Government for its vision and decisive engagement in securing this hosting right and has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the FGN, Lagos State Government, Afrexim Bank, the African Union, and other stakeholders to deliver a successful and impactful IATF 2027.
“On behalf of the Nigerian private sector, NACCIMA warmly welcomes Africa and the world to Lagos in 2027 and invites MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and investors to seize this historic opportunity to connect, trade, and prosper together.
“With this development, Nigeria is poised to take a significant step towards promoting intra-African trade and investment, and NACCIMA looks forward to working with all stakeholders to make IATF 2027 a resounding success.”
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On its part, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) applauded the selection of Lagos as the host city for the IATF 2027 by the Afrexim Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The chamber noted that hosting IATF 2027 presents a historic opportunity for Nigeria.
“It will expand the country’s export potential, attract both foreign and local investment, and create significant opportunities for SMEs.
“In addition, the Fair will stimulate growth across tourism, hospitality, and allied industries. Beyond commerce, it will spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda.
“Already, in partnership with Afrexim Bank, the LCCI is supporting about 20 export-focused SMEs currently participating in IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
“As the host city chamber, LCCI will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class event. We will mobilise the business community, facilitate investment and policy dialogues, drive advocacy and awareness, and strengthen private sector participation to ensure that Nigerian enterprises fully maximise this historic opportunity.
“With nearly 40 years of experience in organising international trade fairs in Lagos, Africa’s fourth largest economy, LCCI looks forward to contributing its expertise to the successful planning and delivery of IATF 2027.
“This landmark decision reaffirms Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s trade integration agenda. The LCCI affirms its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs, maximise the opportunities that this event will bring.
“The LCCI congratulates the Federal Government of Nigeria on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver an inclusive and impactful IATF 2027 in Lagos.”
