Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President of the France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), has highlighted the deepening ties between Nigeria and France.
Aig-Imoukhuede, who is the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, also emphasised the transformative steps taken under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron to foster bilateral partnerships.
He was quoted in a statement on Monday in Lagos to have said this while speaking at the inauguration of Zenith Bank’s operations in Paris as the leader of African banks and Nigerian businesses in France.
The launch, which was also graced by other bank chief executives and captains of industry, represented a significant moment in Nigeria-France relations.
Aig-Imoukhuede commended Macron’s vision and dedication, which enabled Nigerian banks to establish a foothold in France within six years.
According to him, this milestone exemplified France’s commitment to engaging with Nigeria as a strategic economic and cultural partner.
“Over 13 years ago, Jim Ovia, then CEO and now Chairman of Zenith Bank, set the pace for Access Bank to open in the UK. Today, Access Bank has set the pace for Zenith Bank to open in France.
“This symbolic evolution not only underscores the dynamism of Nigerian banks, but also highlights the synergy between Nigerian and French leadership in cultivating mutual opportunities,” he said.
Aig-Imoukhuede reinforced the role of the FNBC as a catalyst for partnerships that harness Nigeria’s enterprising spirit and France’s industrial expertise.
He added that the council continues to bridge gaps and foster collaborations in key sectors such as energy, technology, and sustainable development.
“France must seize this Nigerian moment,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.
He reiterated the unique opportunity for France to engage with Nigeria as it emerges as a global economic powerhouse.
The event coincided with broader engagements during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France with business leaders from both nations in attendance.
The business leaders included Aliko Dangote and Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank, convened under the auspices of the France- Nigeria Business Council.
French industry heavyweights like Patrick Pouyanné of Total Energies and Bernard Arnault of LVMH joined their Nigerian counterparts in exploring avenues to strengthen economic and cultural exchanges. (NAN)
