WTC urges businesses to embrace innovation

The Vice President of the World Trade Centre, Abuja, Mr Karim Ahmed, has said innovative solutions are needed to overcome challenging economic situations affecting business operations in the country.

The VP said this while speaking with journalists at the end of the year business and networking cocktail in Abuja on Saturday.

According to him, business owners must provide flexible solutions to navigate difficulties in sustaining their enterprises amid currency crises, fuel subsidy removal, and unfavourable exchange rates.

He said, “The general economic situation in Nigeria affected virtually all businesses. The year has been challenging but we have also made significant progress and our ability to adapt to change made us provide different solutions.

“What we have been able to do over time and in line with our consistency of the Church Gate brand is our ability to be flexible and adapt to changing environments. We have the grit that has been able to propel us forward.

 “Ordinarily, in the past, we used to provide real estate and let the customer design their space, but what we have been doing recently is to tailor the solution to the customer’s need and that is how we have been able to manage the landscape that has been challenging recently.”

Speaking on the theme, ‘Urban elegance’, reflecting the sophistication, diversity, and dynamism of Abuja’s business community, Karim said the event was intended to celebrate the successes of the year and foster meaningful connections towards the New Year among clients, partners, trade associations and the diplomatic community, among others.

Ahmed revealed plans by the centre to provide mass, affordable housing solutions for the middle class in Nigeria next year.

On his part, the WTC General Manager, Operations, Ibukun Adeogun, said the World Trade Center Abuja, a $1.3bn investment, was now open for business after years of delays and is performing well to give potential clients and partners a seamless experience.