Japanese firms seek incentives, records 50,000 trade fair visitors

Japanese firms are seeking tax exemptions in a bid to ease the process of doing business in Nigeria. Daily Trust reports that no fewer than 47 Japanese companies participated in the just-concluded 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair. Speaking with newsmen after the closing ceremony, the Country Managing Director and Trade Commissioner of the Japan External […]

Japanese firms are seeking tax exemptions in a bid to ease the process of doing business in Nigeria.
Daily Trust reports that no fewer than 47 Japanese companies participated in the just-concluded 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair.
Speaking with newsmen after the closing ceremony, the Country Managing Director and Trade Commissioner of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, disclosed that the Japanese government is in talks with the Nigerian government to support their firms through subsidizing or tax exemptions.
He stressed that such support through tax exemption would strengthen the operations of Japanese firms in Nigeria.
He also disclosed that Japan’s pavilion attracted nearly 50,000 visitors over the 10-day event — one of the highest turnouts recorded by any foreign pavilion this year.
“So basically, Nigeria shows a potential in this market, but to encourage further investment, so some incentives or some support would be further encouragement to the investment, not only for Japan, but also the rest of the world.

“Support like just subsidies or tax exemption or something would be generally good for the company but basically the Japanese government also has a dialogue with the Nigerian government so we hope to have good conversation on both sides,” he said.

Oku expressed optimism that there would be an increase in the participation of Japanese firms, adding that plans are underway to begin reviewing business transactions from the just-concluded trade fair.

“It’s now time to review our activities now and then we just conclude for next year but it’s just a hint that this year’s event will be a hint for next year,” he said.

He also shared insights into some of the activities at the Japanese pavilion during the fair, noting that Super Japan, introduced this year, highlighted Japanese pop culture.

“This is our 10th participation in Lagos International Trade Fair to introduce Japanese companies and technologies in the Nigerian market. So under this occasion, we just participate on the largest scale alongside the Super Japan event to introduce Japanese pop culture.

“We just reinforced our pavilion, especially highlighting Japanese pop culture and we just impressed very hot enthusiasm to pop culture in Nigeria. We had some concerts here and most of the participants were very excited,” he said.

On investment, he stated that Japan continues to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. “Honda has a factory here, Ajinomoto also has a factory. And now, Otsuka Pharmaceutical is constructing a factory for Pocari Sweat, a nutritious drink. It is expected to be completed next year. We are gradually seeing more concrete investments coming from Japan,” he said.

 

Oku added that Nigeria remains a promising market for Japanese businesses, but called for stronger government support to encourage more investors.