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The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce(NBCC), has recommitted to building a more prosperous, resilient, and entrepreneurial Nigeria.
President and Chairman of Council of the NBCC, Prince Abimbola Olashore, made the commitment at Chamber’s SMEs event themed: “Money in Motion: Unlocking Capital, Driving SME Prosperity.”
At the event held in partnership with Moniepoint, Olashore noted they were charting new paths for inclusive growth by ensuring that SMEs are not left behind in the pursuit of prosperity.
The event which featured panel discussions, Pitch competition, masterclass, SME pitch competition among others, saw SMEs display their products, engage in conversations, and share knowledge with partners, financiers, and industry stakeholders.
The NBCC boss noted that the theme reflects the mission of the chamber at its core: a commitment to unlocking access to finance, strengthening business capacity, and driving prosperity for SMEs.
“At NBCC, we believe that when small businesses thrive, communities flourish, and nations prosper.
“This platform has been designed to give you practical tools, access to networks, and insights that will help you grow beyond limits.”
He appreciated the collaboration with Moniepoint, which he said exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in advancing enterprise. “Together, we are charting new paths for inclusive growth by ensuring that SMEs are not left behind in the pursuit of prosperity.”
Prince Olashore noted that by empowering entrepreneurs, “we are creating jobs, fostering innovation, and building a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.”
Chairperson, NBCC MSMEs and WYEDI Committee, Mrs Adeola Azeez pointed out that the theme is not only timely but also critically urgent.
Azeez said money in itself is static; it becomes transformative only when mobilized; when capital is unlocked and effectively channeled to drive growth, create jobs, and build sustainable businesses.
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“Today, we are gathered here with a shared purpose: to spark meaningful conversations, build valuable connections, and generate practical solutions that will empower SMEs to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global economy. “We are not just talking about growth, we are taking concrete steps to help SMEs access capital, gain visibility, and connect with the right networks.”
She believes when SMEs are empowered, trade deepens, innovation thrives, and economies are transformed.
“As we move through today’s program, let us keep in mind that unlocking capital is not just about money, it is about unlocking dreams, unlocking jobs, and unlocking futures.”
Eziekel Sanni, Senior President, Distribution Network Sales , Moniepoint Inc, explained the need for capital for SMEs to thrive, acknowledging the struggles of small businesses.
Sanni who presented his paper on Access to Impact: Unlocking Capital to power SME progress, noted that access to capital alone is not enough motion, he added that SMEs still face delays, harsh terms and a lack of transparency.
On the panel discussion themed: “Get Money smart- Checking your business health before you borrow,” the panelists advised businesses on how to remain sustainable in the changing business climate.
They emphasized on the need for a right business model that supports the vision and the importance of good record keeping.
Businesses were told that the genuity of a business, health of the business, cash flow, were considered before loan is disbursed, pointing to SMEs to keep records, if they must remain attractive.
The use of technology was also brought to fore, as digital tools make it easy to track businesses.
The SME were also advised to be financially literate, as they need to know the language of the business to easily adapt and take right decisions, stay on top of the business and build sustainably.
“Financial literacy is key. You must be at home with your turnover, your profits, cash flow and others.
“Must make conscious efforts to get some level of education to acquire information needed to build the business sustainably.”
