NBCC Sets Eyes on Celebrating 50th Anniversary, Recounts Achievements
Dike Onwuamaeze
As the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027, its President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, has reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to “building a stronger, more influential, and financially sustainable chamber that continues to deliver value to its members while shaping the future of Nigeria–UK trade and investment relations.”
Olashore reaffirmed this commitment during NBCC’s 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place in Lagos on July 14, 2026.
He said: “As we gather today, I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made across our strategic priorities.
“While much remains to be accomplished, the foundations we have laid over the past year have positioned the chamber for sustainable growth, greater relevance, and increased impact.”
Olashore said that one of the chamber’s priorities was to strengthen governance and establish a more effective leadership structure.
“Over the past year, we have reinforced the executive committee as the principal driver of strategic decision-making within the chamber.
“We have clarified responsibilities, strengthened committee oversight, improved accountability mechanisms, and encouraged broader participation by committee chairpersons and Council members,” he said.
Olashore remarked that one of the most significant achievements of this administration during the year under review was the successful establishment and reactivation of the NBCC’s United Kingdom (UK) chpter.
He said: “When this administration assumed office, revitalising our UK presence was identified as a strategic imperative.
“Following extensive consultations and planning, the chamber successfully registered the Nigerian-British Chamber UK and formally launched the platform in London in May 2026.
“The launch, hosted at the Nigerian High Commission in London, marked a historic milestone in the chamber’s growth and reaffirmed our commitment to building a truly bilateral institution.”
He said that the NBCC UK Network is now serving as a strategic extension of the chamber and providing a platform for investment promotion, business matchmaking, policy engagement, and bilateral trade facilitation.
“The milestones achieved during the past year, including
the successful launch of NBCC UK, the record fundraising
outcome of the Presidential Inaugural Dinner, the
strengthening of key institutional partnerships, and the
expansion of our trade and policy engagement activities,
have significantly enhanced the Chamber’s profile and
financial resilience.
“These achievements provide a strong
platform from which to pursue even greater ambitions,” he said.
He added that the chamber, in collaboration with the Institute of Directors Africa Group, successfully convened the maiden NigeriaUK Economic Outlook in London in February 2026, that brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders, financial institutions, and trade experts to discuss the bilateral economic outlook and investment opportunities.
The president of NBCC said that the chamber has significantly strengthened its engagement with government stakeholders in both Nigeria and the UK.
Olashore said: “Throughout the year, we have expanded our interactions with policymakers, regulatory agencies, trade institutions, diplomatic missions, and economic development organisations.
“Our engagements have positioned the chamber as a trusted partner and credible voice within the Nigeria-UK economic corridor.”
He identified the deliberate strengthening of relationships with
sub-national governments across Nigeria as a key aspect of the chamber’s stakeholder engagement strategy.
He said: “During the year under review, the chamber welcomed the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, to our flagship ‘Meet the Governor Series.’
Olashore explained that the engagement provided a platform for direct dialogue between the government and the private sector, enabling members to gain insights into the state’s investment priorities, infrastructure agenda, and opportunities for business participation.
He disclosed the Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, would be a guest of the chamber in September.
Olashore also said that at the heart of the chamber’s strategy is the belief that membership value must remain our highest priority while financial sustainability remained a key pillar of its longterm strategy.
“One of the most significant developments during the year was the successful partnership with FirstBank through the establishment of the Ivory Hall by FirstBank,” he said.
