Affirms Boost to Nigeria-France Trade Relations
Access Bank PLC has hosted the French Week 2024
Business Forum at its headquarters in Lagos, affirming its commitment to
bolstering trade relations between Nigeria and France. The event, which
kick-started the annual French Week celebration, highlighted Access Bank’s
dedication to fostering bilateral business collaborations and creating a platform
for growth, trust, and innovation in the France-Nigeria economic space.
The Business Forum attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Consul General of France in Lagos, President of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment in Lagos, as well as the Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment, conveyed the federal government’s full support for advancing cross-border partnerships with France, appreciating Access Bank’s leadership in organising such impactful forums.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Laurent Favier, the
Consul General of France, acknowledged Access Bank’s growing presence in
France, further underscoring the bank’s pivotal role in facilitating trade
between the two nations. He lauded Access Bank for championing France-Nigeria
economic relations by establishing both a strong footprint in Paris and a
dedicated French Desk in Nigeria to facilitate seamless business transactions.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings
PLC, who also serves as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council,
emphasised the council’s role in supporting economic policies that enhance the
business environment for both nations. “The France-Nigeria Business Council
seeks to play a crucial role in supporting our government, businesses, and
citizens to create a more enabling, uplifting, and secure environment for
cross-border businesses,” he stated.
During the first panel discussion, Roosevelt
Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s efforts in
supporting African presence in global markets. “Access Bank is dedicated to
giving Africa a voice on the international stage, helping local businesses
scale through better access to information, credit, and capital. Our presence
in Paris not only strengthens Nigeria’s influence, but also facilitates
investments that align with the ongoing economic transformations on the African
continent.”
In his closing remarks, HE Marc Fonbaustier, the
Ambassador of France emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform to
elevate Nigeria-France trade and investments. “Events like this provide a rare
opportunity to enhance our bilateral economic relationship, strengthening
existing trade and investment channels and fostering new partnerships.”
With the successful launch of the French Week 2024
Business Forum, Access Bank reaffirms its commitment to positioning Nigeria as
a key player in the international business landscape, promoting shared economic
growth and sustainable partnerships that benefit both nations.
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L-R: Moses Umoru, Director General, Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Guillaume Niarfeix, President, Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC and President of the France-Nigeria Business Council; Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos; Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment; Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment; Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Director, Access Bank Plc; Florent Mangin, Head of the Regional Economic Department French Treasury; Jean Haas, Secretary General, France Nigeria Business Council, at the French Week 2024 Business Forum at Access Bank headquarters in Lagos…Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
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| L-R: Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC and President of the France-Nigeria Business Council; Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos; Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment; Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment; Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Director, Access Bank Plc; Florent Mangin, Head of the Regional Economic Department French Treasury, at the French Week 2024 Business Forum at the Access Bank headquarters in Lagos…Tuesday, November 12, 2024. |
About Access Bank PLC
Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access
Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a
network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23
countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in
its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China,
Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings PLC,
has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a
diversified financial institution that combines a strong retail customer
franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven
risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its
various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment
Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is
arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18
years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.
With a strong commitment to economic growth and
innovation, Access Bank continues to play a vital role in bridging business
opportunities and fostering sustainable development across the continent and
beyond.
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