Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has commissioned a new 3,000-square-metre Exhibition and Convention Hall at the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, Golf Estate,Enugu, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening the institutional capacity of the organised private sector in the South East.
Speaking during the commissioning on Friday , 20 February,2026, the out going President of ECCIMA, Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, said the project, which cost about N500 million, was fully funded through the chamber’s internally generated revenue and goodwill donations from members and friends of the chamber. He called on the federal and state governments to support the chamber to develop the trade fair complex like their counterparts in Lagos and Kaduna.
Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, ECCIMA outgoing president
He noted that the new building would significantly improve exhibitions and trade fair participation, enhance operational efficiency, and boost service delivery, growth and stability within the chamber.
“This building is a great signpost for the institutional capacity enhancement of the organised private sector for exhibition purposes, particularly in this part of the world,” he said.
Jideonwo expressed appreciation to key partners who supported the project, including Gold Partners Sir Rob Anwatu, Rev. (Dr.) Ugochukwu Chime, Ichie (Dr.) Nnaeto Orazulike, Sir Odeiga Jideonwo, and Engr. Igwe Mba.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Silver Partner Mr. Gbenga Adigun and Bronze Partner Chief Emeka Mba for their magnanimity and commitment to raising the standard of private sector exhibition platforms in the region.
The ECCIMA president further thanked the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for asphalting and marking the internal roads of the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, noting that the intervention had improved accessibility and eliminated the usual dusty conditions experienced by exhibitors and visitors.
The newly constructed exhibition and convention complex
He commended members of the 17th Council of ECCIMA, other chamber members, and the Director-General, Mr. Uchechukwu Mba, alongside the secretariat staff, for their dedication to ensuring the successful completion of the project.
While celebrating the milestone, Jideonwo disclosed that about four additional structures are still planned within the complex. He appealed to Governor Mbah and the state government to support the installation of air conditioners and landscaping of the new building ahead of the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair scheduled to hold from March 21 to March 30, 2026.
Governor Mbah ‘s representative,Dr. Ogbu Nwobodo commissioning the complex.
According to him, the completion and full equipping of the facility would send a strong message to both local and foreign participants about the infrastructural development strides of Enugu State.
Describing the project as one close to his heart, Jideonwo said his passion and personal contributions as a Gold Partner helped drive it to completion, attributing the success to the grace of God and the collective goodwill of stakeholders.
He expressed optimism that the new hall would reposition ECCIMA and the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex as a leading exhibition hub in the region..
Dr. Ogbu Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade and Investment
In his speech, Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah commended ECCIMA for it’s partnership. He assured continuous support to the chamber.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, the state Government disclosed plans to participate actively in the 37Th Enugu international trade Faire. The commissioner said contacts had been made to bring other South East states to participate at the Faire.
