For Herbert Wigwe, the chairman of Access Bank Plc, a new role and responsibility beckon. Wigwe has taken over as the chairman of France Nigeria Business Council following the completion of pioneer chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s two-year tenure.
The France-Nigeria Business Council is a private sector initiative to enhance and strengthen business relations between the two countries with the aim of promoting mutual growth and prosperity. It serves as a nexus for collaboration, innovation, and partnership between the two nations whilefostering an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Some of the Nigerian council members include Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Group, Mike Adenuga of Globacom and Conoil, Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries, and Tony Elumelu, Chairman UBA & Heirs Holdings. The largest French companies including Dassault, Danone, Axens, Ponticelli and Total Energies are also members of the council.
In his farewell address, Rabiu, the founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, expressed gratitude to the council members, President Emmanuel Macron, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support during his tenure. He acknowledged the exceptional service of Jean Haas, the Secretary of the Council, who will continue in his role under the new leadership.
During Rabiu’s tenure, the council achieved significant milestones in strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, and promoting mutual growth and prosperity. He also conceived and coordinated two France-Nigeria Business Forums in Paris, a meeting in Lagos, and a session in Paris last year, which led to several fruitful partnerships between French and Nigerian businesses.
Rabiu also oversaw the council’s support for various initiatives fostering collaboration between the brightest minds of both nations and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. He expressed confidence in Wigwe’s ability to lead the council to new heights, citing his vast experience and keen understanding of the global financial landscape as key assets.
Wigwe, a seasoned banker and prominent figure in the Nigerian banking sector, has received the assurances and pledge of other council members to support him in ensuringcontinued collaboration in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth for both France and Nigeria.
