An appeal has been made to the Federal and State Governments to put in place necessary policy that will encourage investors to come into Nigeria, and traders who are willing to trade in the country as well.
This advice was given at the Food, Beverage West Africa Trade Exhibition that took place at the Landmark, Victoria Island, Lagos, organised by B to B Events.
According to the exhibition Manager,
Brad Smith, there were many manufacturers, who are interested in Nigerian market, and they wanted to introduce their products first to the Nigerian market and later set up factories and manufacture the products in Nigeria.
He explained that they would be encouraged to set up industries in the country if there were good policies that will encourage them to come in.
Smith said the exhibition they had so far has increased the number of traders trading in Nigeria and as well attracted manufacturing industries, because they see in Nigeria the potential for good business.
He explained that the food and beverage exhibition attracted over 50 companies, who came to exhibit their products, and that some were coming into the country for the first time.
“We are in the right relationship with the manufacturers to bring their products here. We allow exhibitors from anywhere in the world to bring their products here. We bring together manufacturers of beverage items to come here, from across the globe, West Africa through Lagos. We have a platform that operates this noble event around the world.”
On establishing companies in Nigeria, he said, “our job is to facilitate the exhibition, we bring the companies to exhibit their products, we make sure we bring in genuine importers and distributors and from this they go into serious business. The companies that travelled from far countries to exhibit their products in Nigeria, we make sure we give them the right level of advice they are looking for.
“We cooperate from making sure we bring companies to the market, where there is demand for their products, and we ensure we bring in genuine importers, people interested in serious business into the market,” Smith added.
On the impact of the exhibition has had so far, he said: “it is credible, the exhibition we have been having, it is also interesting that, people come to see what brand of products that are available, and it is fantastic to see so many companies exhibiting their products.
“The products exhibited are always available for buyers, we are very proud of the work we have done in the market, proud of success recorded. We know we played a part in the success of companies exhibiting with us.”
Some of the exhibitors said they were coming to Nigeria for the first time, and they knew Nigeria had a big market for their products.
According to Seju Shah of Ark 34 Ltd, United Kingdom, he said Nigeria has a very big market and potential of doing business in the country.
“This is the first time we are here, we are experimenting. From what we have been able to do since we came, and the perception we have, we are looking at how we can bring business into Nigeria, and bring good products.
“We do exhibit around the world, this is the first time we are doing it in Nigeria. Nigeria has a good market. The prices of the products we will bring are affordable for Nigerians,” he said.
According to another exhibitor, he said “this is the first time coming into Nigeria market, we believe our products will do well in Nigeria, because the country has a larger market for our products.
“Many Nigerians have been going to Dubai to buy our products and ship it to Nigeria, but what we intend doing now is to make the products available in Nigeria, and no need to go to Dubai to buy it again.”
Vandra Jethuy of India Company that deals in cereal stated that his company
was the leading manufacturer of breakfast cereal that contains cornflakes, chocolates, and all kinds of cereals.