2nd October, 2015
Exhibitors at the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair have applauded the organisers for the steps taken to extend the closing date.
The fair, which has its theme as “Entrepreneurship as a Panacea for Economic Growth’’, is designed to create a coherent and comprehensive business network.
The fair was scheduled to end on Friday but shifted to Monday by the organisers, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (ABUCCI).
The President of ABUCCI , Mr Tony Ejikonye, said the decision became necessary based on the clamour for extension by local and international exhibitors.
He said that the public holiday slated for the Independence Day and the long holidays were also the reasons for the extension.
Mrs Ngozi Okolo, an exhibitor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the extension would enable them to make more sales to cover the expenses they incurred from transportation and buying of the space.
Okolo suggested that for next year’s fair, the organisers should consider public holidays before fixing the date.
“I am happy for the extension of this fair because the first week witnessed low patronage, so with this new development, we might make more sales, ’’ he said.
Another exhibitor, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar, said the level of sales had increased as civil servants and the private sector had received their pay.
Abubakar said the organisers should ensure that the date for the next trade fair should be immediately after the end of the month.
“The patronage from buyers has increased drastically, I believe it was because salaries have been paid to workers so people have money to buy some things,’’ he said.
Also Ms Mary Madaki, who came to buy a camp bed and mosquito net, said the payment of September salary enabled her to buy the items.
Madaki said it was regrettable that most goods at the fair was more expensive than in the open market and so urged the organisers to find a way to address it.
She also advised that government should build the stands at the fairground to reduce the time and money exhibitors spend.
“The goods at the trade fair are supposed to be cheaper than the ones in the market; it is believed that manufacturers will bring their goods to sell at a lesser price.
“Again, the stands should be built by the government because exhibitors spend lot of time to build and then remove at the end of the fair which also means money is being spent, which they might add to their goods,’’ Madaki said.