The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), has announced plans to upgrade the Abuja Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Expo to a quarterly event, recognising its pivotal role in driving economic growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, the acting managing director/CEO of AEA, Dr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, confirmed the agency is finalising plans to increase the event’s frequency from annual to either quarterly or biannual editions.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Tortiv, AEA’s Team Lead of Corporate Communications, Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the Expo was strategically designed to enhance SME competitiveness, promote industrialisation, and boost Nigeria’s presence in global markets.
The AEA boss while addressing the Expo’s theme “Leveraging Financial Opportunities and Strategies to Mobilise Funding for Sustainable Growth, said that it aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, because the Expo is a critical driver of economic development.
“This theme reflects the urgent need to equip SMEs with tools to access funding. However, achieving this requires collaboration among financial institutions, policymakers, and development partners,” he said.
When asked about increasing the Expo’s frequency, Ugwuada-Ezirigwe revealed, “Stakeholders agree this should not be a once-a-year event. We are working toward hosting it at least twice a year, and if possible, quarterly. The consensus is clear, we must create more opportunities for SMEs to thrive.”
The FCT Head of Civil Service, Grace Adayilo, commended AEA for sustaining the Expo’s impact, calling it instrumental to realising the President’s economic vision.
Represented by her personal assistant, Olaide Genevieve Yongo, Adayilo noted that over the years, AEA has served as FCT’s Special Purpose Vehicle for SME initiatives, including this Expo, which significantly enhances the Ease of Doing Business.
She highlighted AEA’s achievements including the FCT-CARES Programme, One Village One Product (OVOP) scheme, and Rural Skills Acquisition initiatives, while praising this year’s theme as timely and strategic.
“Beyond funding, the Expo provides a vibrant space to build networks, explore partnerships, and connect with distributors, customers, and export markets,” Adayilo said.
She further expressed gratitude to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for their support.
The event attracted key stakeholders including David Opeyemi Oke of the World Trade Center Abuja, who delivered the keynote address. Regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC and NASENI also participated, underscoring the Expo’s role as a platform for public-private collaboration.
Since its 2016 inception, the Abuja SME Expo has grown into a premier trade showcase, featuring over 1,200 enterprises and attracting approximately 11,000 visitors across previous editions.
This year’s programme included business clinics, panel discussions, and advisory sessions designed to empower entrepreneurs.
