Abuja to Host Inaugural Interior, Furniture Expo in December
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian furniture and interior design industry in collaboration with the ministry of industry, trade and investment and ministry of innovation, science and technology are set to host the first-ever Abuja Interior and Furniture Expo (AIFE) in December 2024.
Scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, the event, which was officially launched at a media gathering in Abuja, will bring together manufacturers, designers, investors, and consumers from across the country and beyond.
The organisers said it will celebrate the best of Nigerian craftsmanship, featuring exhibitions, business networking sessions, and the latest industry trends.
Director of Special Duties, Dr Mansur Liman speaking at the media launch expressed excitement about AIFE’s role in promoting local manufacturing and talent.
“With Nigeria’s wealth of raw materials such as timber, metals, and fabrics, the expo aims to spotlight made-in-Nigeria furniture, while bridging the gap between manufacturers, designers, investors, and consumers.
“By doing so, the event will help the country capitalise on the growing global demand for high-quality, sustainably produced furniture.
“This industry holds the promise of providing badly needed jobs for our teeming youths thereby generating much-needed foreign exchange earnings. Therefore, we seek more collaboration from stakeholders, government agencies and the media to support the expo,” he said.
Also speaking, former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, commended the organisers and highlighted the potential of AIFE to empower Nigerian youths, addressing unemployment by providing opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship in a thriving, creative industry.
“This is indeed a commendable initiative, one that began on a modest scale during my tenure as governor of Katsina State. Recognising the immense potential of this project to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and to create jobs for our burgeoning youth population, I lent my support to see it expand into an annual national event. And today, I am proud to see this vision coming to life in a grander form.
“This expo is not just an exhibition but a powerful tool to drive the growth of our local furniture industry. By encouraging investment and offering a platform for showcasing local talent, we aim to establish Nigeria as a global player in the furniture market,” he remarked
The launch concluded with the unveiling of the official AIFE logo, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a competitive player in the global furniture industry and with support from key sponsors.
