‘French businesses remain committed to Nigerian environment’

President, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Usman Mohammed, has said despite the daunting economic challenges, French businesses remain committed to the Nigerian environment.

Mohammed, who stated this at the 37th yearly general meeting yesterday, said the Chamber is a force to reckon with in the league of bi-lateral business associations.

He said bilateral ties between France and Nigeria continue to grow even better and stronger.

“Yes, we know the pandemic had an effect on France-Nigeria trade figures, as with trade figures globally, but l am happy to say that no French company exited the Nigerian market during the lockdowns instead we saw CSR support by notable French brands during the period.”

He said Nigeria remains France’s leading trade partner within the sub-Saharan African region and the 4th in Africa behind Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Mohammed said at the global level, Nigeria ranks 28th among suppliers to France. The favourable image of Nigeria to France and by extension, the international business community is undoubtedly one of the achievements of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its partners within the Embassy such as Business France, and the French Economic Service, also not forgetting the Nigerian Embassy in France who works closely with the Chamber on this project.

“We cannot overemphasise the favourable effect of the visit of President Macron to Nigeria in 2018 (who we congratulate on his well-deserved re-election), and subsequent visits of the Minister for Trade and Attractiveness. This has gone a long way in strengthening the existing relationship between both countries and we are confident of increased trade between both countries in the coming years,” he said.

Besides, he said the chamber has continued to grow stronger and is being reckoned as the most formidable bilateral Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria.

However, he said the French Week celebration organised by the Chamber is today being rated as one of the largest business-networking events in Nigeria.

“This year’s edition is scheduled to kick-off on the 18th through 25th November, 2022. A never before line up of events that includes women in business event, a b2b meeting that will be held alongside the conference which is themed around France business presence in Nigeria, a cocktail for entrepreneurs, among others are being planned to make the 2022 edition a must attend,” he said.

Besides, members of the board were re-elected to remain in their positions.