Ahead of the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair slated for February 2026, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) on Monday inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC), with a charge to deliver a fair that would surpass previous editions.
KADCCIMA is one of the oldest and most influential regional chambers of commerce in Nigeria, established in 1975 as a private sector-driven body to promote trade, investment, and industrial development, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The chamber emerged at a time when Kaduna was regarded as the industrial hub of Northern Nigeria, hosting major textile, automobile assembly, and food processing industries.
One of KADCCIMA’s most significant contributions has been the Kaduna International Trade Fair, first held in 1976, which quickly became one of the largest trade fairs in sub-Saharan Africa.
The fair provides a platform for local and international exhibitors to showcase goods, services, innovations, and investment opportunities.
Inaugurating the Committee at the Chambers Conference in Rigachikun Kaduna, KADCCIMA President, ESV Ishaya Idi, described last year’s edition as challenging.
He noted that despite difficulties in engaging Governor Uba Sani directly, the State Government supported the Chamber through its Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, while a joint committee of top officials worked with KADCCIMA for the first time in recent years.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) for its steady backing, and urged the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to extend its investment drive into rural communities with untapped opportunities.
The KADCCIMA President announced that the fair will hold from February 6 to 15, 2026, with the theme: “From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation Through Sustained Local Content Development.”
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Chairman of the MOC and First Deputy President of KADCCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman Farsman, rallied members to “deliver a Trade Fair that sets a new benchmark for innovation, inclusiveness and impact.”
He tasked subcommittees to immediately commence work on logistics, publicity, sponsorship, security, and exhibitors’ relations.
Farsman, who recently visited China to engage business communities ahead of the fair, emphasised teamwork, transparency and creativity as vital to success.
“The journey to the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair begins today. Together, we must ensure this edition is impactful and beneficial to all stakeholders,” he said.