We’re Restoring Nigeria’s Lost Glory With The Return of Nigeria Int’l Trade Fair —Vera Ndanusa

The popular Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has remained Nigeria’s premier national marketplace. But recently, there was a hoopla over the demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Government over alleged buildings contravention.

In this chat with FUNSHO AROGUNDADE, Barrister Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board speaks on the demolition exercise and the return of the Nigeria International Trade Fair to Lagos in November after several years of absence

There’s been significant public attention on the demolition exercise at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. Can you help us understand the rationale behind it?

Actually, the issue is simple. The Lagos State government officials barged into the Trade Fair Complex and then carried out demolition without prior notice, without any prior information whatsoever while they know there is an agency that manages the complex on ground. That was the issue. The Trade Fair Complex is managed by an agency of the Federal Government, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. That’s my supervisory ministry. The agency is headed by a Chief Executive Officer appointed by the President. So it’s a federal agency, and we have our act establishing the Complex. We have our legal rules and laws guiding us, including the Constitution. So, when things like the demolition exercise in the Complex were about to happen, I think there should have been an exchange of information between the top officials of the State Government and our agency including other stakeholders, traders, and investors coming to develop that place.

But the impression one had was that the Complex has been left ungoverned.

That’s not true. The Complex has an agency that was backed by law to develop and carry out commercial activities over there. Those things are aptly captured in the act that established the management board, which is the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board Act of 2004. The Act mandates the management to develop, maintain and manage the complex. It even extends the power to run estates in the complex, and approve buildings. Everything is there in black and white. From the time past, the agency has been carrying out these functions and activities.

Nevertheless, the State Government claimed the Trade Fair Complex Board cannot constitute itself as a sovereign entity.

You need to take cognisance of the fact that by virtue of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board Act, 1977, Chapter (CAP) L2 of the 2004 edition of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the LITFC Management Board is a statutory body established by and answerable to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments. There has never been an issue since the management board became a full-fledged agency in 2001 when it was promulgated to an Act from a Decree. There has not been any interruption from the state government.

Mind you, the Constitutions established the various jurisdiction of every government —the Federal, States and Local Government. The business of commerce is under the exclusive legislative list. So, we have the mandate to carry out trade activities, organise trade fairs among other responsibilities including developing the place. We have been doing that over the years.

I have no objection to Lagos State coming to have a look at happenings in the place. No, I don’t have an issue with that but my issue is the way and manner it was done. If there’s any law that supersedes what the Constitution has said or that has changed along the line, I think it should be brought to the knowledge of the Complex Management Board or the Supervising Ministry of the Board. The agency, like I’ve said, is a full-fledged federal government agency, and we are the only agency mandated to organize international trade fairs, exhibitions and other commercial activities by the federal government in Nigeria, and that is why the complex is very large, and equal to the task of carrying out commercial activities. Fine, the complex is situated in Lagos. Lagos is a Commercial Center city, but the complex is actually located along the West Africa Corridor. It is purposely located there for easy access to other African countries to come and do trade.

How do you reconcile this with the 2003 Supreme Court judgement on the power of Lagos State as regards facilities like the Trade Fair Complex?

Of course, some people are thinking along the lines of the 2003 judgement that Lagos State can regulate and approve building plans within the Complex. Nevertheless, I think it’s something we can still sit at the table and discuss, rather than the manner they badged into the Complex to carry out that demolition.

Of course, there’s the issue of sovereignty, but can the State Government just barge into any other federal government facilities like that? They can’t as they must go through the process. But the fact that these people are traders does not mean that we should treat them like sub-humans. That’s what I’m saying. Neither should my position be misconstrued. I am there as the eyes of the federal government. I’m not there on my own. I’m not there as Vera but as the head of an agency appointed by the federal government. You understand? So I am still saying that if there’s a need for the state to carry out such activities here, there should be engagement. Should I keep quiet and see things at the place I’m supposed to be overseeing being destroyed? I have heard some people saying these guys don’t even get the approval as they just go to Abuja and start building. Yes, we have the power —backed by our Act— to approve buildings at the Complex. But if there is a change to that, I believe we ought to sit down, I mean, government to government. We are supposed to have a symbiotic relationship because we belong to one nation. You cannot have the federal government without the State, and the State cannot operate without the federal government. Anywhere there is conflict between the federal and the state, the federal takes precedence. But I’m not going that route. I’m just saying, we must work together.

The truth is, if we continue this way, we’re going to embarrass the federal government. In fact, we are going to embarrass Mr. President. Because whether we like it or not, the President is from Lagos State. This is his home State, and we should ensure that we protect it the most. Meanwhile, the State has the right to come and ask questions. But have they been coming all these years? No. Okay, why now? Have they been approving buildings in the Complex? No. But has the Trade Fair Complex Board, as an agency, been approving? Yes, we are talking of over 50 years now. So if you are now going to change things overnight, shouldn’t you inform the people? Why not inform us the representatives of the federal government that you have been here and observed that certain things were wrong. Why not engage us? Then we can sit down, look into it and determine how we go about it.

What measures have been taken to support affected traders and businesses during this transition period given that in a couple of weeks, there’s going to be the Nigeria International Trade Fair?

First, the board did not bring down their buildings. I agree, we are the agency in charge, they report to the board but we did not carry out the demolition. I will not allow law and order to break down under my watch. I have had meetings with the stakeholders and those affected. I empathize with them. I know they have lost their means of livelihood. I know so many things have gone wrong. I empathize but they have to be patient. We are toeing the peaceful path.

However, let me assure you that despite what has happened, we are now having meetings and engagement. Now, we’ve had the first meeting with the State Government. So we’ve all gone back to sit with the experts and look at how we move forward. So, this will not affect our Trade Fair that is coming up. It will not affect it at all. We are understanding ourselves, and our lawyers are looking into the whole matter. We are actually working to cement our relationships.

With the current reconstruction and cleaning activities ongoing at the Complex, how will this year and future editions of the Trade Fair be affected in terms of infrastructure and exhibitors’ experience?

By the special grace of God, the reconstruction ongoing will not affect the Fair. That is why we pride ourselves on being innovative and being able to think outside the box. We pride ourselves on being very, very smart. You understand? Where we intend to have the Trade Fair is not touched. We have a place already designated for the Fair. I also want to assure the public that their safety is guaranteed. It’s not going to affect the visiting participants but will partially affect those whose properties were demolished because most of them were supposed to be part of the Trade Fair. However, for the exhibitors, I know that where they intend to take maybe, like 30 square meters, probably now they may end up taking maybe 15 square meters. That’s all.

What is the broader vision behind this year’s Trade Fair and how does it differ from previous editions?

Whatever it is, the Complex and Nigeria, as a whole, is safe for those coming. For your information, some countries that have never been to Africa are coming. They are coming for the Trade Fair.

Oh really?

Yes. You know, this Trade Fair used to be hosted, in time past, at the Complex before it stopped. And all through the Concession period by the past administrations, it was no longer being hosted. They didn’t give priorities to it but kudos must be given to this administration who insisted on the revival of the Fair. That is why I will not sit down here and allow anybody to bring destruction to this present administration, and rubbish the good name President Bola Tinubu has built about unifying the nation everywhere. The President is reviving the economy and don’t forget that the Trade Fair complex is a trade and commerce hub. We are working so hard to create a different experience for those who will be coming for the Fair from home and abroad. People want to have fun as they move round the exhibitors’ stands, we are doing things in a different way, this time around. So, I’m assuring the exhibitors, the partners, as well as participants and everyone that there’s no cause for alarm and worries.

The Fair aims to facilitate a B2B and B2G exchange. What measures have been put in place to ensure that their interactions result in concrete deals and partnerships rather than just networking?

This year’s Trade Fair is going to be different. Although, we are not moving away from the things that worked in the past as we are also inculcating those previous experiences into this year’s activities. But note that change is dynamic. We are running with technology. Before, there was nothing like technology, it’s just like the normal cultural trade. But this time around, we are bringing in digital technology. That’s why this year’s edition is themed: “Trade, Technology and Transformation: Leveraging Digital Trade for Economic and Industrial Growth.”

The Fair will bring together a diverse mix of businesses, policymakers, investors, and international exhibitors from sectors such as textiles, electronics, agriculture, creative industries, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The event will blend B2B networking with public engagement, fostering opportunities for deals, industry insights, and storytelling. We are building on the success of last year’s Commercial and Industrial Trade Fair. But this year, we aim to showcase Nigeria’s economic diversity and strengthen regional integration. The event will also highlight the country’s commitment to digital trade and industrial growth, aligning with national development goals.

On the part of the participants, they will have the opportunity of having the B2B, and have the opportunity of mixing with business leaders. We are partnering with SMEDAN, NEPC, CAC, and of course, our supervisory ministry is there. We are partnering with all these agencies and Chambers of Commerce. As we are bringing in technology, we would be monitoring the business aspect closely. What is happening to the MOUs that would be signed? If there are partnerships formed —as we expect big partners coming to collaborate with our local brands— we would help to monitor them.  Most importantly, we would be promoting our SMEs at this Trade Fair.

Talking about SMEs, what specific opportunities will the Fair create for them?

Direct foreign investors and their investments is one of the benefits for the SMEs. They are going to have an opportunity to meet up with them. They are going to have the opportunity to also see new innovation in the market. They are going to have the opportunity to also earn some foreign exchange. Every country coming is an opportunity. Those coming in, they will trade in our currency and then we will get opportunities to trade on their own too. So, it’s going to be a fantastic and robust 10-days Fair from November 21 to November 30, especially with the B2B and the B2G. By the way, we are also partnering with some of the Lagos State Government agencies. Like I said, no man is an island. We are working together and partnering with them.

What institutional measures are being taken to ensure the Fair continues annually and doesn’t go on another long break?

Thank you so much for that question. First, let me just appreciate you for the nostalgic feelings you expressed about the Trade Fair of the old. We are determined to bring back that excitement that comes with the annual trade fair. What has happened in the recent past was that there’s no political will. There was no backing. Permit me, I’m not speaking like a politician, but the truth is that the President (Tinubu) has given us what we need to excel in our offices. Do you understand? He has given us the marching order? So, policies are already in place that things have to be done in some certain ways, and we must do it.

I’ve spent two years in office and we revived the Fair last year. As soon as I came, people thought it was not going to be possible. Bring back a Trade Fair that has since gone? But I told them: ‘You don’t say never’. I don’t even know what ‘never’ means in my dictionary. We went to work. I looked at everything they have been doing. Where they have been getting it right and where they went wrong, we try to block that. We say okay, let’s even test the ground, let’s test and see. So last year, we did not go with the original name, which is Nigeria International Trade Fair. We just tested the ground with the Commercial & Industrial Trade Fair. We ran with it and it was awesome. I can tell you that at that Fair last year, some business deals were signed. We tracked and discovered that some businesses were signed. We also have people that established partnerships, even among the local business community. You won’t believe it. That is my excitement. The benefits gained by the SMEs was my excitement.

For this year, we are going to make Nigerians proud. We are hosting a Fair that will bring Nigeria back to her powerful status economically. We know what Nigeria used to be as the giant of Africa. So, we are not just going to be the big brother anymore but the giant because we have all it takes to be the giant. So it shall be sustained, and the subsequent government will not scrap it. The Fair has already been institutionalized. It is in our document. It is everywhere. All we need is to just have the political will to run with it. We have been provided with a good environment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Beyond the manufacturing sector, you’ve not really talked about the emerging market: fintech. Are you making space available for those in the ICT and fintech ecosystem, what are the roles they are playing in this?

You remember when we started this conversation, I told you that now the world has gone digital. We are using technology as the theme of this year’s Trade Fair suggests. We have not left them behind. They are the main focus of this Trade Fair. They will be there. They even have an opportunity to speak to participants and they are bringing their technique. We are not leaving them behind because that is the main thing. And then may I also remind you that Nigeria is at the driving seat of the digital corridor. Nigeria, and then Egypt, have been given the mandate as two of Africa’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems to activate —as co-architects— of the continent’s startup future. Now we would be running with that. So, we are running with the digital, fintech ecosystem. We are leveraging them and they will be around. We have invited most of them, and they will be there to also lend their quota to the success of the Trade Fair.