NBCC Strengthens Nigeria-UK Economic Dialogue, Hosts Maiden Economic Outlook in London
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has used the maiden edition of the NBCC Economic Outlook UK in London to provide a high-level platform for strategic dialogue on Nigerian macroeconomic reforms, investment climate developments, trade expansion, and the evolving role of the private sector in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The event, which took place recently in London, brought together senior policymakers, economists, financial institutions, and private sector leaders of the Nigeria-UK business community to examine “Nigeria-UK 2026 Economic Direction: Stability, Growth and Private Sector Outlook.”
In his welcome address, the President and Chairman of Council, NBCC, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to deepening commercial ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK).
Olashore said: “This forum provides an important platform to examine where stability is emerging, where growth opportunities lie, and how the private sector can act as the engine for sustainable and mutually beneficial development between our two economies.’
Keynote presentations were delivered by the Group Chief Economist and Managing Director, Research & Trade Intelligence, Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi Kale, and the Head of Research and Chief Economist, Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan
Kale and Khan provided forward-looking analyses on Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms, inflation trajectory, foreign exchange stability, growth projections, and Africa’s positioning within a shifting global economic landscape.
Also, Africa Lead, Economic Security and Trade Relations, Mr. Robert Lally, who represented The UK Department for Business and Trade, gave an overview of the current policy and trade framework.
The event featured distinguished special guests, including Labour Member of Parliament for Vauxhall & Camberwell Green, Ms. Florence Eshalomi MP, who is also the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, and the Zambian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador to the Holy See and Ireland, H.E. Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka.
Their goodwill messages laid emphasis on the strategic importance of Africa-UK economic partnerships.
Other special guests in attendance included High Commissioners from Algeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana High Commissions to the UK.
Discussions during the panel session were hinged on practical strategies for expanding trade flows, improving access to finance, strengthening regulatory clarity, mitigating risk, and accelerating private sector-led growth between Nigeria and the UK.
The panel discussion was steered by Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia with contributions from the Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce; Mr. Steven Lynch MBE; the CEO and Founder of DIN Consultants, Sabila Din, and the CEO of FirstBank UK, Olukorede Adenowo.
This forum marked an important milestone in advancing structured economic engagement in the UK and reaffirmed the NBCC’s commitment to sustaining momentum through continued dialogue and partnership development.
The strong participation of key stakeholders across the UK-Nigeria business corridor reaffirmed the relevance of the NBCC as a leading platform for bilateral trade advocacy, investment facilitation, and private sector collaboration.
