Shoppers and exhibitors have praised ECCIMA for providing free transport to the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, saying the initiative boosted attendance and increased sales.
Shoppers and exhibitors have commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture for providing free transport to and from the ongoing 37th Enugu International Trade Fair.
They said the initiative helped cushion the impact of rising transport costs, which recently increased by about 20 per cent following petroleum price hikes.
One of the shoppers, Nonye Madu, who resides in Garriki along Agbani Road, said the free transport service provided significant relief.
“It will take me N4,000 to and fro the fair. Last year, I spent about N2,000 for transport but within one year interval, I am spending N4,000 within Enugu metropolis,” she said.
Another shopper, John Ezeh, who lives in Abakpa, noted that the free transport allowed him to save money and increase his purchases at the fair.
He added that the fare increase could have led to low turnout, but the availability of free and convenient buses boosted attendance.
An exhibitor, Greg Ibeano, said commuting to his exhibition stand had been seamless as he joined the free buses in Emene daily.
“The free transport initiative has increased the number of shoppers turning up and put more money into their hands. This is the first time I am seeing such an initiative in various fairs I attend throughout the country, and it increased attendance and sales in various exhibition stands,” he said.
Reacting, Director-General of ECCIMA, Uche Mba, described the initiative as one of the best decisions taken by the chamber, adding that it enhanced every aspect of the fair.
Mba said the programme was introduced by the leadership of the chamber led by ECCIMA President, Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, to boost participation.
According to him, buses were stationed at major locations including Garriki, Abakpa, Emene, Polo Park and Holy Ghost bus stops to convey participants free of charge to the fairground.
He noted that the initiative was necessary due to the fair’s location on the outskirts of Enugu and the rising cost of fuel, adding that the chamber had received positive feedback from users.
The theme of this year’s trade fair is “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for Global Competitiveness.”
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