The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) have renewed their commitment to expanding trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, marking a major push to deepen bilateral economic ties.
Speaking at the inauguration of NBCC’s 19th President, Abimbola Olashore, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, outlined a targeted four-point plan to strengthen cooperation.
The agenda focuses on expanding non-oil exports with SME support, establishing a Lagos-based UK–Nigeria Investment Council, driving innovation partnerships in fintech, health tech and climate tech, and investing in sustainable infrastructure to boost trade and job creation.
Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerian businesses to leverage NBCC to scale exports and forge stronger partnerships with UK firms, assuring British investors that Lagos offers a competitive market, strong consumer base and a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Olashore, in his acceptance speech, pledged to expand trade opportunities, raise NBCC’s influence, deepen policy engagement and position the Chamber as a leading voice in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He noted that Nigeria must navigate global shifts with bold, strategic action.
Former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola underscored the theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Future,” stressing that trade remains central to competitiveness in a digital economy.
He called for removing barriers confronting MSMEs and improving infrastructure, noting that human decision-making, not capability, is the real obstacle to stronger trade.
Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah said NBCC’s membership base has the capacity to shape Nigeria’s economic future, urging the Chamber to seize new opportunities created by shifting global supply chains.
He emphasized that Nigeria must abandon limiting mindsets and leverage its advantages in emerging trade routes such as nearshoring and food sovereignty.
British Chambers of Commerce Chair Sarah Howard and British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to work with NBCC.
Baxter highlighted ongoing joint efforts to remove trade barriers, while business leaders, including BAT Managing Director Yarub Al-Bharani, pledged deeper collaboration to drive sustainable investment.
The event signaled a unified push from government, private sector and international partners to unlock new trade pathways and strengthen Nigeria–UK economic ties.
