Launch of NBCC UK Network to Boost Nigeria -UK Trade Collaboration

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has officially launched the NBCC UK Network at the Nigerian High Commission, in London, United Kingdom (UK).
The launch, which took place on Tuesday, May 26, marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and institutional collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The launch formally established the chamber’s strategic presence in The UK and created a dedicated network to convene influential business leaders, policymakers, investors, and institutional stakeholders who are committed to advancing Nigeria-UK economic relations.

The event also witnessed the decoration of the newly appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, and UK Trade Envoy, Ms. Florence Eshalomi (MP), as Patrons of the NBCC UK in recognition of their commitment to strengthening diplomatic, trade and economic ties between both countries.

The NBCC also announced Access Bank UK and FirstBank UK as the pioneer Founding Lifetime Members of the NBCC UK, and commended both institutions for their leadership, vision, and dedication to expanding UK–Nigeria commercial cooperation.
Speaking during the launch, the President and Chairman of Council of the NBCC, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, described the network as “the beginning of a stronger institutional bridge between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
Olashore noted that the initiative was created to facilitate strategic investments, foster policy dialogue, and unlock mutually beneficial business opportunities across both markets.

He said: “The future of international trade belongs to those who collaborate strategically, innovate boldly, and build partnerships intentionally.”

He emphasised that the NBCC UK Network would serve as a two-way gateway connecting “opportunity with enterprise, innovation with investment, and ambition with execution.”

Olashore said that the launch came at a critical time as UK businesses continue to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-growing economy while navigating several longstanding market-entry and operational challenges.

He said that the challenges include regulatory complexities, limited access to credible local business networks, policy inconsistencies, market intelligence gaps, investment navigation concerns, and the need for stronger institutional support structures.

“The NBCC UK Network is designed to help address these issues by providing a trusted bilateral platform that supports trade facilitation, market entry, and strategic business partnerships between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“The network will also drive policy advocacy, institutional engagement, business intelligence, and investment insights while creating sector-focused collaboration opportunities for businesses across both markets.

“In addition, members will benefit from access to trade missions, investment forums, and high-level business engagements aimed at fostering sustainable growth and commercial expansion.

“With the establishment of the NBCC UK Network, the Chamber aims to create a more structured ecosystem capable of supporting businesses seeking sustainable growth, strategic expansion, and long-term commercial partnerships between both nations,” he said.