The Delta State government has banned all forms of unauthorised trade fairs and exhibitions across the state by individuals and organisations masquerading as experts.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday – earlier today, April 3 – by the state Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Samuel Oligida.
He lamented that many unsuspecting Deltans had been duped by such self-acclaimed experts, and warned that any individual or organisation that henceforth organises a trade fair, exhibition or workshop in any part of the state without due approval would face the consequences of their actions.
He stressed that unregulated trade fairs and exhibitions have exposed unsuspecting Deltans to fraudulent individuals and organisations, creating negative impacts on the state’s image and economy.
“A ban is hereby placed on all forms of trade fairs, exhibitions and workshops throughout the state.
“The Delta State Government will no longer watch why Deltans are defrauded under the guise of participating in these unauthorised fairs, exhibitions and workshops.
“The Ministry of Trade and Investment is saddled with the responsibility of regulating the hosting of trade fairs and exhibitions among others and we have put a regulating measure in place for strict complaints by all,” he said.
Oligida maintained that, “all government parastatals, MDAs, private organisations and individuals wishing to host and stage trade fairs and exhibition are required to, henceforth, obtain approval by way of registration in the office of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment before such event is organised otherwise, the organisers will face the consequences of their actions during and after the programme.”
