Japan has expressed its commitment to enhancing trade relations with Nigeria, following its participation at the recent Lagos International Trade Fair.

The Managing Director and Trade Commissioner for the Japanese External Trade Organisation, Tokashi Oku, in a statement, conveyed Japan’s optimism for a stronger partnership between the two countries in future trade fairs.

At the fair’s closing ceremony, Oku highlighted the event’s achievements, while noting the lower-than-expected turnout this year due to Nigeria’s economic climate.

“Yes, so we expect the economy to recover because it was an economically challenging situation that affected the participants’ numbers. But even in this situation, we just try to expect a stronger relationship between Japan and Nigeria,” he stated.

The trade commissioner disclosed that despite fewer visitors, Japanese companies still held productive business discussions and forged significant agreements with Nigerian firms.

“Even though the number of visitors is decreasing, I believe some business discussions and prominent contracts are steady,” Oku added.

Oku reflected on the potential for increased business engagement and expressed confidence in a better 2025 edition of the trade fair, saying, “This year, reflecting on the economic challenges, we felt that visitors are decreasing compared to last year. But in the middle of the event, just the number of visitors is recovering.”

Oku also announced that Nigeria has confirmed its participation in the Japan Expo scheduled for April 2025.

“Nigeria just announced its participation in the expo, so we are looking forward to Nigerians’ participation. Basically, this is an event from all over the world, and I believe Nigeria is one of the important countries,” he remarked.