The New Business Networking Platform Between NBCC and UK Businesses

By Godson Azu

I was highly delighted to attend the official launch of the United Kingdom Chapter of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), hosted at the residence of the new Nigerian High Commissioner to the Court of St James’s in London, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

The prestigious event marked a renewed effort to reposition and reconnect the NBCC with the wider UK business community after a prolonged period of inactivity and disconnection. It also symbolised a fresh chapter in strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and strategic partnerships between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The event was led by the President and Chairman of Council of NBCC, Prince Bimbo Olasore, whose welcome address highlighted the organisation’s renewed vision of creating stronger commercial relationships, encouraging investments, and supporting business networking opportunities between Nigerian and British enterprises.

In his remarks, Ambassador Dalhatu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian High Commission to supporting trade diplomacy, private sector collaboration, and economic engagement between both nations. The keynote speech was delivered by Florence Eshalomi, the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, who spoke passionately about the importance of economic cooperation, diaspora engagement, and sustainable commercial partnerships between the two countries.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the recognition and honour bestowed on long-standing sponsors, supporters, and strategic partners of the organisation, including First Bank of Nigeria and Access Bank, alongside Ambassador Dalhatu and Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP, who were recognised as Patrons of the NBCC UK Chapter.

For me personally, one of the most exciting and memorable moments of the evening was my meeting with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Africa Group, Paul Onwuanibe. He is an exceptionally humble, visionary, and resilient entrepreneur whose contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and real estate sectors continue to inspire many business leaders across Africa.

Mr. Paul Onwuanibe is widely recognised for developing the iconic Landmark ecosystem in Lagos, a major hospitality and leisure destination that has faced significant challenges arising from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Despite these difficulties, his resilience, discipline, and determination have remained admirable, as he continues to expand the Landmark brand into other strategic locations, including Nike Lake in Enugu, as well as Abuja and Owerri.

I sincerely encourage Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to continue supporting and patronising indigenous businesses such as Landmark Hotels and Landmark Africa Group projects across Lagos, Enugu, Owerri, and Abuja. These are the kinds of visionary investments and entrepreneurial leadership needed to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s global business reputation.

The distinguished gathering attracted an impressive array of diplomats, business executives, investors, and community leaders, including Olukorede Adenowo, representatives of Access Bank UK, Omoh Amabor, Uzo Owunne, Alistair Soyode, Joel Popoola, members of the Trade and Investment Section of the Nigerian High Commission, and several distinguished UK and Nigerian business leaders.

The successful launch of the NBCC UK Chapter represents the beginning of a new era of business networking, strategic partnerships, trade facilitation, and investment opportunities between Nigerian entrepreneurs and UK businesses. It is a timely initiative that has the potential to strengthen economic diplomacy, encourage diaspora participation in national development, and create meaningful commercial opportunities for both nations.

Indeed, the future of Nigeria-UK business collaboration looks increasingly promising