Turnout of visitors at the 2020 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) improved on Thursday as it entered its seventh day. the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Exhibitors at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue attributed the development to the rush-hour syndrome as the 10-day event begins to draw to a close.
Mrs Abimbola Omidiran, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Arts Gallery, said the number of visitors, though smaller than previous years due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, was nonetheless impressive.
“We know what the pandemic has done on numbers and citizen’s purchasing power, but visitors to the fair have greatly improved when compared to what we had last week when it began,” she said.
Omidiran said the fair remained an excellent avenue for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products.
Also, Mr Waheed Ismail, Showroom Manager, Thermocool, said the fair had picked up momentum both in sales and the number of visitors thronging the arena.
“We thank God that things have improved and is not as bad as we thought when it began.
“As you can see, the air is different, we have more people, and people are willing to buy items here which are cheaper than if you go outside,” he said.
Another exhibitor, Miss Doris Louis, a marketer with PWAN Group, a real estate firm, acknowledged that the turnout was not as impressive as other years, but was fair.
“Coronavirus did not dampen our spirits like that, and like you saw me trying to buy a perfume that cost about N10, 000 outside but was going for N6, 000 here, we are getting things at a very affordable rate.
“We that are into property brought down our rates to enable visitors at the fair get good bargain for their money to encourage them become landowners, she said.
Mrs Tonye Bello, a visitor to the fair, said a blender advertised online for N35, 000 was sold to her for N26, 000 after testing its functions.” This year has been tough, but nothing can stop Nigerians, as we are a resilient bunch.
“I’m happy to get a good bargain and always look forward to the trade fair yearly to improve my kitchen equipment,” she said.
Also, Mr Yemi Fadahunsi, a textile dealer, said he came to buy textiles from merchants from Kano due to the lower prices they offered for durable fabrics.
“I’m here to pick up some materials that I plan to resell because they are affordable and also very durable and unique.
“The fair is a very good place to be and we look forward to next year as well,” he said.
Mrs Toki Mabogunje, President LCCI, urged exhibitors to take advantage of the fair’s virtual exhibition facility scheduled to run for a whole year. (NAN)
