Read Also
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called for the adoption of digital transformation strategies that promote economic growth while safeguarding Nigeria’s environment.
The Minister made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the official opening of the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Saturday at the Kaduna International Trade and Investment Centre, Rigachikun, Kaduna.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Lawal described the Kaduna International Trade Fair as Africa’s most famous fair and a vital platform for trade, innovation, and regional integration.
Although he was unable to attend the event in person due to pressing national engagements, the Minister expressed strong support for the fair, noting that for more than four decades it has facilitated face-to-face business interactions, technology exhibitions, idea exchange, and enduring commercial partnerships that drive wealth creation, employment, and national development.
He commended the theme of the 2026 edition, “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture and Trade through Digital Transformation,” describing it as timely and in line with Nigeria’s economic diversification drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Lawal, digital tools and innovations can significantly enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, strengthen value chains, and expand market access for manufacturers, farmers, and traders across the country.
From the environmental perspective, the Minister stressed that digital transformation must be pursued sustainably, highlighting the role of technology in advancing green manufacturing practices, precision agriculture, smart supply chains, and data-driven environmental monitoring and compliance.
He explained that the integration of eco-friendly technologies, renewable energy solutions, circular economy models, and climate-smart innovations would help Nigeria achieve higher efficiency while protecting natural resources, combating desertification, preserving biodiversity, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Lawal reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to initiatives that align economic growth with environmental stewardship and encouraged exhibitors, investors, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities in green technologies, sustainable agriculture, waste-to-wealth enterprises, reforestation-linked value chains, and pollution control innovations.
The Minister commended the leadership of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), under the Director General, Dr. Usman G. Saulawa, and the entire organising committee for sustaining the trade fair and expanding its impact over the years.
He expressed optimism that the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair would mark a new era of accelerated growth, inclusive development, and sustainable prosperity for Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, and the nation at large.
Lawal wished all exhibitors, buyers, visitors, and partners fruitful engagements, prosperous business deals, and lasting collaborations, while praying for the continued unity and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
