The 11th Jos National Trade Fair has opened in Plateau State, bringing together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and exhibitors to explore opportunities in agriculture, livestock, industry and commerce.
Held at the Jos Polo Field under the theme, “Harnessing Agricultural and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity,” the fair provides a platform for showcasing products, attracting investment and promoting business partnerships.
The President of the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA), Elder Bulus Dareng, called for a permanent trade fair ground to strengthen the state’s capacity to host exhibitions and attract investors.
Dareng commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting PLACCIMA and expressed optimism that future editions would hold at a permanent venue.
Declaring the fair open, Governor Mutfwang unveiled plans to attract investment, expand agro-processing and create jobs as part of efforts to revive Plateau’s commercial prominence.
He announced plans to industrialise the potato value chain under the brand name “Plateau Potatoes” and establish cold-storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. He also disclosed plans for modern livestock production systems with capacity for up to 5,000 head.
Mutfwang further revealed that Chinese investors were expected to establish an International Trade Park and Exhibition Centre in the state following recent trade engagements.
He also announced approval to convert the former MTN facility into a Business Process Outsourcing centre expected to train and deploy 1,800 youths to provide remote services to global businesses.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Samaila Danko Makama, highlighted the history of commerce in Plateau and urged local and international investors to explore opportunities in the state.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, said the fair’s theme reflected the need to turn the state’s agricultural resources into economic opportunities.
“Our challenge is to connect the advantages to investments, modern technology, agro-processing, livestock development and sustainable markets,” Ashoms said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Anista Marketing Limited, Mrs Bolcit Amakri, encouraged residents to attend the fair, explore products and services, connect with businesses and discover new market opportunities.
The fair features local producers, industrialists and trade delegations from across Nigeria, as well as countries including Sudan and Senegal.
