France must seize ‘this Nigerian moment’, says Access Holdings chair Aig-Imoukhuede

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, president of the France-Nigeria Business Council and chairman of Access Holdings Plc, has stressed the need for France to engage with Nigeria.

He highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, emphasising the transformational steps taken under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron to foster bilateral partnerships, according to a statement on Monday.

“France must seize this Nigerian moment,” Aig-Imoukhuede said, reiterating “the unique opportunity for France to engage with Nigeria as it emerges as a global economic powerhouse”.

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.

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. This milestone, he noted, exemplifies 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,” he said.

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, according to the statement.

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.