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)