Vendors at the 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), have expressed concern over low customers turnout, urging Nigerians to increase patronage and other business activities.
‎
‎The vendors made the appeal during interviews on Friday at the ongoing trade being organised by Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
‎
‎While some of the vendors at the AITF decried low customers turnout others were optimistic that patronage would improve as the fair progresses.
‎
‎The vendors said the situation had affected their targeted revenue, particularly, those who brought goods from outside Nigeria.
‎
‎Florence Kaatachi, a trader from Ghana, said she witnessed low patronage at the trade fair.
‎
‎Ms Kaatachi appealed to Nigerians to patronise exhibitors, adding that increased purchases would help vendors avoid returning home with unsold goods.
‎
‎She said 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.
‎
‎Haoyu Mingze, a participant from China, also acknowledged what he described as initial situation but remained optimistic about improved patronage.
‎
‎Mr Mingze said he was not discouraged, expressing confidence in Nigerian business networks and the ability of local traders to create business opportunities.
‎
‎He said 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, Clement Agbo, a local participant, said he was not relying solely on immediate sales from the exhibition.
‎
‎Mr 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.
‎
‎Mr Agbo said that participants should, therefore, consider the broader benefits of exhibitions, rather than measuring success only through immediate sales.
‎
‎Jideani Agabaidu, ACCI director-general, was optimistic things would improve in due course.
‎
‎Mr Agabaidu, while emphasising the need for Nigerians to sustain patronage of exhibitors, said doing so would support businesses and economic activities.
‎
‎He said sustained local support could 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 the trade fair, which commenced on September 25, would open the doors for business, investment, innovation, networking and other opportunities during the 12 days that it would last.
‎
‎(NAN)
‎
‎