Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), said on Saturday that strengthening international trade with the Republic of Chad, had been placed on the front burner.

Speaking at the opening of the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, Abubakar, who is the immediate-past Chief of Air Staff, said the move would be beneficial to both Nigeria and Chad.

He said that he was attending the Fair with a delegation from Chad to explore business opportunities for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

“This is the first time we have come with a Chadian delegation to discuss with Nigerian businessmen and women to understand the business environment.

“The idea is for them to see opportunities, strengthen partnership and collaboration for trade that will be beneficial for the Chadian people,” he said.

The ambassador added that the Federal Government would also take a delegation to Chad to see available opportunities that could be explored by Nigerian businessmen and women.

Also speaking, Mr Ide Udeagbala, National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), commended Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for its consistency in organising the trade fair.

Udeagbala ,who was represented by the 2nd Deputy President, NACCIMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, said that the choice of the theme, “Re-strategising Nigeria’s Economy for Global Competitiveness” was apt, considering the impact of COVID-19 on the economy

. According to him, the pandemic has shown that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on crude oil.

“While the Nigerian economy remains the largest with the biggest market, its economy continues to be subject to external shocks due to over dependence on oil for revenue.

“We must, therefore, strengthen ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, with focus on a production-based economy for sustained and inclusive economic growth.

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“Also, the provision of sufficient incentives for the manufacturing sector would further increase foreign earnings, as well as attract direct foreign investment for increased economic growth,” he said.

Udeagbala assured KADCCIMA of NACCIMA’s continued support and advocacy on policies that would encourage private sector driven economy in Nigeria.

He added that NACCIMA would continue to promote fora and fairs such as the Kaduna International Trade Fair, to provide ample opportunities for interaction and networking towards economic growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair began Feb. 25, and would end March 6.

(NAN)