ECCIMA announces March 21–30 for 37th Enugu International Trade Fair

…Assures participants constant power supply, security

Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, president of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), has announced that the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair would hold from March 21 to March 30, 2026.

Onyemelukwe made the announcement Thursday during a press briefing held at the ECCIMA Council Chamber in Enugu.

He expressed concern over the declining participation of foreign companies in the Enugu fair, attributing it largely to the Federal Government’s neglect of the trade fair complex, which he said had affected the quality of facilities available to international exhibitors.

Responding to questions on the disparity between foreign participation at the Enugu fair and the Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos, Onyemelukwe explained that Lagos enjoys better infrastructure and accommodation that attract foreign investors, while Enugu has had to rely on temporary structures.

He, however, disclosed that ECCIMA has taken steps to address the challenge by constructing and inaugurating a 3,000-square-metre Premium Convention and Exhibition Hall capable of accommodating more than 140 exhibitors that will be used for the first time during this year’s trade fair.

According to him, the event will take place at the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, located at Golf Course GRA, off the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway with the theme ‘Empowering MSMEs for Global Competitiveness.’

Onyemelukwe described the trade fair as a major platform for promoting business, investment and economic growth in the South-East region.

He noted that preparations for the 37th edition began immediately after the conclusion of the 36th fair in the second quarter of 2025.

He also disclosed that the Governor of Enugu State was expected to officially declare the fair open during a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

According to him, the fair will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to assess the nation’s economic outlook and explore business and investment prospects, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

He stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial sector and develop value chains in both the oil and non-oil sectors to drive sustainable economic growth.

To boost participation and visibility, the chamber has adopted a stronger online promotion strategy, increased its publicity budget and expanded its use of social media platforms.

Onyemelukwe also announced that ECCIMA would provide free daily transportation to and from the trade fair complex from Abakpa, Emene, Gariki and Holy Ghost bus terminals to encourage public participation.

He also promised constant power supply with three high-capacity generators already on ground with the usual arrangement with EEDC.

There would be a three-day business masterclass focusing on business growth, the future of artificial intelligence for MSMEs, and tax compliance management.

The fair will also promote technological innovation by encouraging the participation of researchers, innovators and creative entrepreneurs.

Onyemelukwe emphasised the importance of agriculture to economic development, noting that the event will promote commercial farming and agro-allied industries as a means of boosting job creation and food security.

He expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would be successful despite current economic challenges, assuring exhibitors and visitors of adequate security. He noted that Enugu has remained peaceful during previous editions of the event.