Trade, tax, economy take centre stage as ACCI announces 21st trade fair

By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA – The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans for the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, 2026 in Abuja, with a focus on strengthening trade, attracting investment and deepening policy dialogue around taxation and the wider economy.

The Chamber said the fair would serve as a major platform for businesses, investors, policymakers and development partners to engage on economic challenges, showcase innovations and explore opportunities for growth across key sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, First Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the 21st AITF Organising Committee, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the 2026 edition marks a major milestone in the Chamber’s efforts to promote enterprise development and economic cooperation across Nigeria and beyond.

He noted that the trade fair has grown over the years into one of Nigeria’s leading multi sectoral platforms for trade and investment, attracting participants from across Africa and other parts of the world.

Adesugba explained that the theme of the fair, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy”, reflects the realities of today’s global and domestic business environment, noting that businesses are currently facing pressures linked to inflation, exchange rate volatility, supply chain disruptions and changing tax regimes.

“Businesses continue to navigate challenges arising from economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, exchange rate volatility, evolving tax regimes, and rapid technological transformation. The Fair will therefore provide a strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration aimed at strengthening business resilience and promoting sustainable economic growth.

“The 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair will focus on promoting trade and investment opportunities, facilitating discussions on taxation reforms and their impact on businesses, showcasing innovative products and technologies, strengthening Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements, encouraging economic diversification, and providing a platform for policy advocacy between the private sector and government institutions,” he said.

He also disclosed that the fair is expected to host over 500 exhibitors, showcase more than 10,000 products and attract about 100,000 visitors over the 12 day period, cutting across local and international stakeholders including manufacturers, financial institutions, government agencies, diplomats and investors.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of ACCI, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, said the trade fair has become one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting investment, innovation and regional economic cooperation.

He said the 21st edition reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the private sector and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.

Jideani said the global business environment is becoming more complex, with rising uncertainty, technological disruptions and shifting tax regimes, noting that businesses must adapt to remain competitive.

He added that the Chamber remains focused on policy advocacy aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional and global markets.

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