By Ayomide Otitoju
Exhibitors at the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) 2025 have hailed the event as a transformative platform for showcasing Nigerian non-oil exports and businesses to global markets.
Hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc in partnership with AFRICON from September 18 to 20, FNITCC brought together export-ready Nigerian enterprises across sectors including fashion, arts, manufacturing, and technology. The event provided a vibrant space for commerce, networking, and cultural celebration.
Participants lauded FNITCC 2025 for its energy, organisation, and scale. Compared to previous editions, exhibitors noted increased attendance, enhanced booths, and deeper engagement. The By Nuga Designs team described it as “a clear step up” and praised Fidelity Bank for bridging Nigerian businesses with global markets.
Exhibitors also highlighted moments of community support and resilience. One participant recalled an impromptu video-call deal facilitated by fellow exhibitors that turned an absent shipment into a successful transaction. “FNITCC reminded me that connections often matter more than sales,” she said.
The event celebrated Nigerian innovation, with particular emphasis on women-led businesses. Attendees shared inspiring accounts of entrepreneurs breaking barriers and promoting Made-in-Nigeria products globally.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, reiterated the bank’s commitment to expanding Nigeria-U.S. trade beyond oil. She noted that while Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently total under $5 billion annually, FNITCC exemplifies the potential of access to global markets as a pathway to shared prosperity.
FNITCC 2025 underscores Fidelity Bank’s ongoing efforts to amplify Nigerian talent, foster cross-border growth, and promote enterprise excellence. The bank, serving over 9.1 million customers through its 255 offices in Nigeria and UK subsidiary FidBank UK Limited, has received multiple awards, including Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards) and Export Financing Bank of the Year (BusinessDay BAFI Awards).
