Visitors and vendors attending the 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) have expressed concern over the low turnout of customers at the fair.
Some of the vendors told journalists at the ongoing trade fair, organised by Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Friday that though they were not impressed with the low turnout of customers, they were optimistic that patronage would improve as the fair progresses.
The vendors said that the situation had affected their targeted revenue, particularly, those who brought goods from outside Nigeria.
Florence Kaatachi, a trader from Ghana, said that she had witnessed low patronage at the trade fair,
Kaatachi appealed to Nigerians to patronise exhibitors, adding that increased purchases would help vendors avoid returning home with unsold goods.
She said that stronger patronage would benefit both foreign exhibitors and local businesses participating in the trade fair.
The Ghanaian trader, however, expressed hope that more customers would visit the fair as activities progressed.
Mr Haoyu Mingze, a participant from China, also acknowledged what he described as initial situation but remained optimistic about improved patronage.
Mingze said that he was not discouraged, expressing confidence in Nigerian business networks and the ability of local traders to create business opportunities.
He said that Nigerians were good business people and would eventually turn out to patronise exhibitors at the fair.
According to him, participation in the trade fair provides an opportunity to establish relationships that could support future commercial activities.
Meanwhile, Mr Clement Agbo, a local participant, said he was not relying solely on immediate sales from the exhibition.
Agbo said he had shifted attention toward networking, competitor analysis and identifying potential business partnerships.
He explained that the fair provided an avenue to study competitors, understand market trends and explore opportunities beyond direct transactions.
According to him, establishing useful contacts at the event could generate business opportunities even after the trade fair.
The Director-General of the chamber, Mr. Jideani Agabaidu, was optimistic that things would improve in due course.
While emphasising the need for Nigerians to sustain their patronage of exhibitors, Agabaidu, said that doing so would support businesses and economic activities.
According to him, sustained local support can strengthen the trade fair’s contribution to commerce, investment, enterprise development and economic growth.
He also expressed optimism that increased visitors turnout would create more opportunities for exhibitors to showcase products, build partnerships and expand their markets.
The director-general said that the trade fair, which began on Sept. 25, would open the doors for business, investment, innovation, networking and other opportunities during the 12 days that it would last.
GIK/APA