May 17, 2011 : Nigerian - Turkish Business Forum / Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria promises to be an attractive export market for Turkish companies with its 'registered' population of 158 million, stable ( in African standards ) democracy and oil revenues. With its large natural gas reserves, Nigeriais seen as the future alternative of Russian natural gas for the European Union and therefore promises a richer and more stable government for the years to come ( that is of course if they manage not to sacrifice the union of their country to a Muslim - Christian polarization ).
Realizing the potential of this huge market, SO PLUS Int'l Trade Organizations decided to place a small business event in which they planned to meet small to middle sized Nigerian importers with Turkish Small to Middle Sized Exporters.

I was happily selling this event to Turkish companies until one day ( one month before the event ) my supervisor came and asked me to coordinate the business matching side of the event in Lagos, Nigeria. I spend the month of May in contacting Nigerian importers with our local business partner EMA Ventures. The event took place in May 17th, 2011 in Best Western Ikeja Hotel in Lagos. A total of 6 turkish companies met with approximately 55 Nigerian companies during the course of the event.
It was not the best business event of 2011 but it was a good show for a pioneering event and I am confident that each Turkish exporter was able to meet with at least 2 Nigerian prospect promising serious business.

Success of this event encouraged other Turkish exhibition companies to organize larger events in this country. After I returned from Nigeria I came to notice two such ventures organized by Meridyen Exhibition Co. of Turkey. Turkish Export Products Fair (125 exhibitors) will be launched in September 14, 2011 and Lagos Fashion Show will be launched in October 5th, 2011.
I wish good luck for both the organizations and hope that I can produce another event in this giant, promising market again.