Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman, Access Holdings PLC, in a handshake and a tête-à-tête with the French President, Emmanuel Macron at a meeting of the France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), while Gilbert Chagoury looks on, in Paris…Monday.
Business a.m.
Nigerian banker, investor, and chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has been appointed as the new president of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC). The appointment was made by French President Emmanuel Macron during the Choose France Summit 2024,held recently in Paris.
A statement issued by Access Holdings described the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) as a pivotal coalition of Nigerian private sector business leaders, committed to enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and France.
According to the statement, the Council’s core objectives revolve around the facilitation of trade, investments, infrastructural development, job creation, and cultural integration between the two nations.
Established in June 2021 under the auspices of President Emmanuel Macron, the FNBC has diligently utilised its member network to champion investments across key business sectors, fostering cultural understanding and driving economic growth between Nigeria and France,catalysing Nigerian businesses’ ventures into investment opportunities within France.
The Council is made up of 13 distinguished members and boasts of prominent Nigerian business figures including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the new president; Abdul Samad Rabiu, who was inaugural president and chairman of Bua Group; Gilbert Chagoury; Mike Adenuga, chairman of Globacom; Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group; Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank; Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings; and John Coumantaros. Other members include Kola Karim, Leo Stan Ekeh, Daisy Danjuma, Gbenga Agboola, and Jean Haas, who serve as integral members, with Jean Haas holding the position of secretary.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment follows the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Council’s former President, in February 2024.
The Choose France Summit is an annual gathering that convenes business magnates, investors, and governmental dignitaries to explore investment prospects within France. The highlight of the summit was the presidential dinner, characterised by high-level engagements and mutual commitments between participating parties.
