BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS FORUM AU MEDEF LE 29 NOVEMBRE 2024

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President of the France-
Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) and Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, has
highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, emphasising the
transformational steps taken under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron to
foster bilateral partnerships.
Aig-Imoukhuede spoke at the inauguration of Zenith Bank’s operations in Paris, which
he attended 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 pivotal moment in Nigeria-France relations.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Aig-Imoukhuede commended President
Macron’s vision and dedication, which enabled Nigerian banks to establish foothold in
France in just six years—a feat that took the UK over five decades. This milestone, he
noted, exemplifies France’s commitment to engaging with Nigeria as a strategic
economic and cultural partner.
Aig-Imoukhuede delivered a memorable statement that resonated with attendees:
“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.
The event coincided with broader engagements during President Bola Tinubu’s state
visit to France, where business leaders from both nations, including 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.

As the President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aig-Imoukhuede reinforced the
Council’s role as a catalyst for partnerships that harness the enterprising spirit of Nigeria
and the industrial expertise of France. 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 urged, reiterating the unique
opportunity for France to engage with Nigeria as it emerges as a global economic
powerhouse.
The launch of Zenith Bank in Paris and the strengthened relations it symbolises, herald
a new chapter in the partnership between France and Nigeria—one that promises shared
growth, innovation, and resilience.