Abia to Host Made-in-Nigeria Expo 2026, Targets Global Market for Local Products

By Enyinnaya Nwaigwe

The Abia State Government says the Made-in-Nigeria Product Exhibition Fair (Expo 2026), being organised through the Ministry of Industry and SMEs in partnership with the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, Abuja, is aimed at showcasing locally made products to the global community.

The Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Akpara, stated this at the ministry’s boardroom while briefing journalists on the level of preparedness ahead of the event.

He said the Product Exhibition Fair, tagged “Showcasing South-East Enterprise, Driving Investment and Accelerating Made-in-Nigeria,” provides an opportunity to bring Nigerian enterprise, creativity and manufacturing to the centre of national and international attention, while creating practical opportunities for people whose businesses contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to Akpara, the expo is not just a conventional trade fair but an event designed to bring together manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, buyers, development partners and government agencies around five key areas: product exhibition, investment and business forum, business-to-business meetings, MSME clinic, and cultural and food showcase.

He encouraged manufacturers, entrepreneurs and artisans across Abia and the South-East, particularly those operating in footwear, leather, garments, agro-processing and other related sectors, to visit the ministry for registration and participation in the event.

The commissioner also appreciated the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his support towards the success of the programme.

Akpara revealed that the state government was engaging key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, NAFDAC, Corporate Affairs Commission and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, among others, to ensure that the expo delivers meaningful value to manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

Contributing, members of the State Product Expo 2026 Planning and Implementation Committee, including the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships, Chief Green Amakwe, encouraged members of the committee to sustain the tempo towards ensuring a successful event.

The Made-in-Nigeria Product Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The press briefing was attended by officials from the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, Abuja, led by its National Coordinator, Mr Nwabueze George, the Special Assistant to Abia State Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Chief Ifeoma Thomas, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and SMEs, Pastor Okey Ihemanma, among others.