The Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) has announced the cancellation of the annual Jos Trade Fair due to the security challenges in the state.
“The security situation does not seem to be improving much, and we are compelled to cancel the trade fair,'' Mr Yusuf Sarumi, PLACIMMA's Vice-President, said in Jos on Tuesday.
He said the chamber had to take the decision because of constant threats to lives and property.
“With the spate of bombings everywhere, we don't want to endanger the lives of the exhibitors, participants and organisers. We have shifted the activity to next year and hope that the security situation would have improved.''
Sarumi noted with regret, the disappointment stakeholders might suffer, saying the decision was “in the best interest of all”.
He, however, commended stakeholders that had participated in planning the event, and appealed to them to “understand and bear with us”.
The vice-president said that next year's trade fair, to be tagged “Trade Fair of Plateau Unity,” would focus on the quest for a united and peaceful Plateau.
“Its sole aim will be to bring people together to enhance economic development.”
He said the fair would witness the award of prizes to Plateau leaders who had distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.