By Ladi Patrick-Okwoli
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige has disclosed plans by the federal government to adopt for global Expositions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government, MDAs, for national development.
Ngige, who made the disclosure at a Stakeholders’ validation workshop on the draft Guidelines for participation in International Expositions yesterday in Abuja, noted that it became necessary to set a template for the country
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry, Dr Mimi Abu, reiterated that the government was commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s beneficial participation in International Expositions that support national economic development .
According to her, “Participating in an international exposition should not just be about showcasing our products and services; rather it should also be about telling our story, highlighting our achievements, and forging valuable/ economic international alliances.
International expositions are platforms that allow us to engage with the world, learn from others, and contribute to the global exchange of ideas and innovations,”
Dr Ngige noted that the workshop, will engage in discussions, share insights, and gather invaluable inputs which will be pivotal in helping to develop the guidelines that would aid Nigeria’s participation in future international expositions.
Also speaking, the director of trade in the ministry, Suleman Audu said the “Guidelines will seek ways of improving and ensuring Nigeria’s beneficial as well as develop priority areas of Nigeria’s comparative advantage for attracting trade and investment in the local economy through participations in international expositions,”
He noted that guidelines will spur Nigeria to leverage the best opportunities for global expositions..
“The Ministry will continue to partner with the private sector, association bodies and civil society on programmes and activities tailored towards effective participation of Nigeria businesses in expos and exhibitions.
The Ministry’s expectation after this workshop is to ensure that relevant trade related stakeholders have a better understanding on benefit of international expositions and how Nigeria can take advantage of such engagements.
The Guideline is designed to respond to the challenges faced our participation at Global Expositions to improve future participation. It focuses on those measures that can best be delivered through collective action.
