Policy Makers, Business Advocates Converge To Promote Nigerian-British Bilateral, Trade Relations

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Policy makers and business advocates will converge to promote Nigerian-British bilateral, business and trade relations to spur massive investments between both countries, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) says.

The Chamber’s leadership made this known during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Segun Akintemi, Chairman, Trade and Investment, NBCC, said notable Nigerians and British nationals would meet up to discuss policies at the inaugural dinner of the 18th NBCC President, Mr Ray Atelly.

Akintemi said that the Minister of  Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, would launch an initiative of the chamber; a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ideathon at the dinner.

He said that the dinner was scheduled for Nov. 24, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

“At the inauguration dinner, we will launch an Ideathon for small businesses and see how they can materialise to be a business.

“One of the things Nigeria needs now is both local and foreign investments, and there must be policies to spur such.

“The president will also unveil his mandate for the next two years; this will afford members the opportunity to understand the future of the NBCC during his tenure,” Akintemi said.

Mr Tajudeen Ahmed, Chairman, Programmes Committee, NBCC, said that the Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, and Malam Muhammad Ahmad, Chairman, Polaris Bank, would be at the event.

Ahmed added that the new Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Olasupo Olusi, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, would be on hand to enhance bilateral trade relations.

“These people are well known for entrepreneurship and would be on hand to provide value both for MSMEs and large multinationals,” he said.

Also, Dr Ebere Njoku, Director-General, NBCC, said the chamber would continue to unveil programmes and provide advocacies as the foremost channel of trade and commerce between Nigeria and Britain.

She noted that the NBCC’s affiliation with the British Chambers of Commerce gave members beneficial access to a network of 53 Chambers across the UK.

Njoke added that it also gave members access to 71 other international affiliates from all sectors of the economy.

“To show the chamber’s commitment to building and expanding business opportunities for members and prospects, this inaugural dinner is bringing together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and other key stakeholders in trade and investment.

“The Chamber carries out various activities targeted at the promotion of trade, investment, advocacy, business incubation, training, and business networking and functions via committees and sectoral groups.

“This year’s presidential inaugural dinner will be the 18th of the Chamber and will also serve as a social and networking platform, therefore, building business interaction among participants.

“The event is a true reflection of our commitment to progress and a symbol of our collective aspirations.

“We are expecting an impressive and diverse crowd of people, including elected officials, local leaders, supporters, and well-known professionals from numerous disciplines to attend the inauguration dinner,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Christiana Fadare