The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Barrister Vera Ndanusa, has applauded World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Ndanusa noted that the reforms have translated into tangible progress at the Trade Fair Complex, where business activities have expanded, revenues have grown, and a more stable environment for traders has been created. Under her stewardship, the complex has undergone structural improvements, including a cleaner and friendlier business setting, uninterrupted energy supply to sustain SMEs, and initiatives to support large-scale enterprises.
She also revived the long-abandoned annual trade fair, restoring it after a 14-year break under the rebranded name Nigeria International Trade Fair 2025. The event, held in November 2024, ran for 13 days and recorded significant commercial activity, reaffirming the complex’s original purpose as envisioned when it was established in 1977.
Ndanusa’s commendation followed Okonjo-Iweala’s visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where the WTO chief lauded the administration’s economic reforms and stressed that stability is the foundation of sustainable growth.
Another highlight of the WTO boss’s visit was the launch of the Women Exporters Fund, a joint initiative of the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The fund aims to help Nigerian women entrepreneurs expand businesses, create jobs, and increase income opportunities within the digital economy. Out of 67,000 applicants, 146 Nigerian women emerged as beneficiaries — placing Nigeria among only four countries selected globally for the programme.
As a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Ndanusa expressed pride in the achievement, describing it as a significant victory for women who have long battled stereotypes and limited opportunities. She congratulated the First Lady, the WTO leadership, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for their roles in spotlighting Nigerian women on the global stage.
