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By Merit Ibe
The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) have reaffirmed commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
This pledge was made during the inauguration of the 19th NBCC president, Abimbola Olashore, in Lagos.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised a four-point strategy to deepen the bilateral relationship which include diversifying exports through SME support, establishing a Lagos-based UK–Nigeria Investment Council, enhancing innovation partnerships in fintech, health tech, climate tech, and strengthening sustainable infrastructure to drive trade and job creation.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged Nigerian businesses to use NBCC as a platform for scaling exports and building partnerships with British firms. He assured British investors that Lagos offers a dynamic population and an expanding innovation ecosystem.
In his acceptance speech, Olashore described his new role as an honour.
He renewed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria–UK trade and acknowledged the complex economic landscape shaped by global shifts and domestic challenges.
In his promise to improve trade opportunities, increase the Chamber’s visibility, and position NBCC as a major voice in economic development, Olashore outlined key priorities for his administration to include expanding trade and investment opportunities; enhancing NBCC’s visibility and influence; strengthening strategic engagements with policymakers, and positioning the Chamber as a leading voice in Nigeria’s economic development discourse.
Chairman of the occasion, Babatunde Fashola, applauded the theme of the event; “Unlocking Africa’s future and trade as the engine of economic competitiveness.”
He highlighted the importance of trade in a digital world, urging policymakers to confront challenges facing MSMEs and improve infrastructure critical to commerce.
He noted that humans are the only obstacle to increasing trade as trade and diplomacy have become handy tools for development, especially now when tariffs are playing a big role in global development.
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Fashola said the Nigeria First policy and a few things are beginning to align in the nation in productivity and trade, advising that focus should be on SMEs that drive the economy of every nation.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, president Afreximbank, congratulated Olashore on his new role, expressing confidence that his vast knowledge, diverse experience, and strong commitment to excellence will help the NBCC drive Nigeria–UK trade and investment even more aggressively. He described the theme of the event as timely, highlighting the importance of leadership and trade in shaping a future that works for Nigeria and Africa.
Oramah noted that the Chamber’s high-quality membership can provide the leadership needed to take Nigeria’s destiny into its own hands, reject a limiting victim mentality, and push economic transformation forward despite external challenges. He stressed that development has always been driven by movements that become forces for positive change, and in a world where capital remains a major constraint, the NBCC stands out as a platform capable of building such a force.
He added that the disruption of globalisation is not the end for Africa or Nigeria. While deglobalisation breaks down old supply chains, new ones, driven by concepts like nearshoring, friendshoring, homeshoring, and food sovereignty, are emerging. Oramah urged NBCC members to seize the opportunities within their global network of 52 UK and Commonwealth chambers, with a combined net worth of about $200 trillion, for the benefit of Nigeria and Africa.
British Chambers of Commerce Chair, Sarah Howard, celebrated the new leadership of NBCC, adding that leadership is at a pivotal time between Nigeria and Britain.
She advised the new leadership to look to strengthen Nigeria-UK trade and investment in 2026 and unlock the immense potential of both countries, delivering business prosperity for both nations.
Mr Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, noted that the UK was pleased to work with NBCC.
He emphasised the place of enhanced trade and investment partnership, identifying barriers to trade.
He noted that the two governments are working together to resolve those barriers.
Managing Director, BAT, Yarub Al- Bharani, expressed cooperation with the NBCC in its commitment to strengthening Nigeria-UK trade and advancing enterprise.
“Nigeria is a place where global business can thrive when invested deeply and responsibly.”
