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By Lukman Olabiyi
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Nigeria for securing the hosting rights for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, describing the development as a major milestone for both the country and the African continent.
Obasanjo gave the commendation on Monday during the signing of the host country agreement for the trade fair held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture.
The continental trade fair is scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 5 to 11, 2027.
The former president said the initiative was designed to reduce Africa’s reliance on exporting raw materials, promote fairness in global trade relations and strengthen the continent’s economic self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
Expressing optimism about the event, Obasanjo noted that the fair would bring together African governments, businesses and investors to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation across the continent.
He added that hosting the event in Lagos carried historic significance, noting that the city had previously hosted landmark economic agreements aimed at advancing Africa’s development.
“Bringing the trade fair to Lagos has historic relevance because this is where African leaders signed the Lagos Plan of Action for the economic development of Africa.
“The initiative will geometrically reduce the export of raw materials, promote global equity in trade relations and increase Africa’s self-sufficiency and self-reliance,”he said.
Obasanjo congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their roles in securing Nigeria’s successful bid to host the continental trade event.
He also commended the collaborative efforts of both the public and private sectors in ensuring Nigeria emerged as host of the fifth edition of the trade fair.
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“On behalf of the advisory council, I convey profound congratulations to President Bola Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Governor of Lagos State.
“Their unwavering dedication and the collective efforts of the Nigerian government and private sector were instrumental in securing Nigeria’s successful bid,”he said.
Obasanjo, who chairs the advisory council for the event, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with partners and the host country to ensure the successful organisation of the fair.
According to him, the event will serve as a platform to elevate Africa’s trade standards and support the continent’s economic transformation.
He added that the initiative aligns with the vision of the African Union and its long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, which aims to foster continental integration and create a unified African market.
Obasanjo expressed confidence that the 2027 edition would surpass previous editions in both scale and impact.
“I am confident that IATF 2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scale and impact. It will be a continental event of global significance and an important instrument for achieving the Africa we want,” he said.
The former president also stressed the need for thorough planning to ensure the success of the event, noting that the trade fair remains a key instrument for advancing Africa’s development aspirations.
