Specifically, Vice-President, Namadi Sambo during a meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) in Abuja, disclosed government’s intention to immediately commence legal process to review the concession agreements between the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and various concessionaires in a bid to return the complex to the rightful owners.
Indeed, stakeholders had advocated the return of the trade fair complex to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for proper management of trade promotion activities in accordance with global practice.
Disclosing this at the opening ceremony of this year’s Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos yesterday, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Olusegun Aganga, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to embark on a litigation process in a bid to renegotiate the contract between the Ministry of Trade and Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).
Since its concession alongside National Arts Theatre and Tafawa Balewa Square in 2008, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFC) has attracted most controversies than the other two.
Alpha Consortium, LinkGlobal Logistics, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), International Bureau and Aulic Nigeria Limited, took part in the concession exercise for the complex, in which Aulic Nigeria emerged as the preferred concessionaire.
It would be recalled that the concession won by Aulic Nigeria Ltd. in 2008, had been halted by protracted dispute between LITFC Forum of Stakeholders and BPE.
The stakeholders had petitioned the National Assembly describing the concession as a breach of subsisting lease agreements between them and the management of the complex.
Aganga however explained that in line with government’s industrial revolution plan, policies that would aid trade promotion and facilitation, as well as enhance linkages between the sectors would be implemented.
President, LCCI, Goodie Ibru commended the Federal Government for the decision noting that the group would continue to advocate implementation of policies that would facilitate the realization of the economic transformation programmes of government.
He enjoined exhibitors and participants to take advantage of the ongoing trade fair to increase their market presence and enhance inclusiveness in the economy.
Source: Guardian
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