Profile
In 1994 a pilot Fair Trade advocacy and empowerment workshop for small-scale producers was held in Ibadan Nigeria, sponsored by GEPA and the Irish Fair Trade. The fall out of the workshop was the formation of Alternative Trade Network of Nigeria, (ATNN), a Non-Governmental - charity network - organization (NGO). Its membership has grown from 25 to over 120 rural based groups, cooperatives and Associations with women group forming the majority.

1994 ATNN became a Pioneer member of IFAT (International Federation for Fair Trade) Up to day, it still remains the only registered member Fair Trade Network in Nigeria.

The main objective of ATNN is to build, develop and consolidate an appropriate and sustainable Fair Trade beneficiary support program infrastructure in Nigeria, as well as develop the means to successfully advocate and promote the positive social economic development message of Fair Trade.
To improve the life of people and their communities by promoting Fair Trade, enhancing cultural heritage through capacity building, management, marketing of quality products, networking, training and awareness raising is the mission for ATNN.

Their Vision is to diversify Nigerian exports from oil dependency, by promotion and facilitation of local producers to export through fair trade principles while preserving Nigerian traditions.

They also offer trainings to the various groups they work with, currently they are offering Fair Trade Advocacy program, Fair Trade producer development empowerment program and last but not least Fair Trade market access retailing and export trading program. The general types of crafts products produced by the members include Thorn wood carving, Baskets, pottery and ceramics, Musical instruments, Greeting cards, Tie and Dye, Batik artworks, Traditional Arts, Paintings, Raffia Products, Leather Products, Bronze works, Beaded Jewellery, Recycled Products among others.

ATNN strategically focuses on the creation of sustainable small and medium scale enterprises that are sources of income and employment to reduce poverty in Nigeria, in addition to economically and socially empower producers to become active participants in the sustenance and development of their families and communities.