Artisans, Technicians to storm Abuja for National Exhibition Fair, seek Stakeholders’ backing

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has announced that the second edition of the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibition Fair (NATEF) will hold in Abuja next week, with a renewed call on governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders to support initiatives that can reduce unemployment and boost skill development across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of ASNAT, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, said the five-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, to Saturday, September 27, would be staged at the Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja.

According to him, the exhibition would serve as a working fair showcasing on-site service delivery, artisans’ products, skills demonstrations, workshops, training sessions, networking opportunities, and cultural showcases.

“We envision NATEF as an annual tourism event, attracting international visitors to witness Nigerian artisans’ exceptional skills,” Akinyemi said.

“We urge all stakeholders, including state governors and lawmakers, to support NATEF by sponsoring local artisans and technicians. This event will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and foster business opportunities,” he said.

He added that the 2025 edition will feature raffle draws, live music, and cultural performances, alongside a strong focus on promoting local production to stimulate economic growth.

Highlighting ASNAT’s contributions to the federal government’s initiatives, Akinyemi disclosed that members are actively involved in the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme.

As part of the exhibition, he said, over 100 petrol-powered vehicles would be converted to CNG free of charge in partnership with the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PICNG).

The ASNAT coordinator also revealed that two prominent Nigerians will be honoured with distinguished awards on Saturday for their contributions to artisanship and national development.

Encouraging participation, Akinyemi said: “We invite all artisans and technicians to register and participate. The general public is also invited to experience on-site service delivery, product buying, repairing, and delivery.

“We invite individuals, corporate organisations, international agencies, and NGOs to partner with us. Together, we can empower Nigerian artisans and technicians, driving economic growth and sustaining local jobs.”

Also speaking, the National Lady President of ASNAT, Mrs. Jaiyeola Olatunji, urged Nigerian women to take up opportunities in trades and skills acquisition, including those traditionally dominated by men.

“Women should not be limited by cultural beliefs. Our potential can contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic well-being of the society,” she said.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of ASNAT, Mr. Bari Moses, stressed that the exhibition was more than a display of skills, describing it as a “national call” for recognition of the contributions of artisans and technicians to Nigeria’s economy.

“We expect every artisan and technician in Nigeria to come out, and even other stakeholders, especially development partners, to also be part of this great event,” Moses said.