Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President of the France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) and Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, has highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, emphasising the transformational steps taken under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron to foster bilateral partnerships.
Aig-Imoukhuede spoke at the inauguration of Zenith Bank’s
operations in Paris, which he attended as the leader of African banks and
Nigerian businesses in France. The launch, which was also graced by other bank
chief executives and captains of industry, represented a pivotal moment in
Nigeria-France relations.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Aig-Imoukhuede
commended President Macron's vision and dedication, which enabled Nigerian
banks to establish foothold in France in just six years—a feat that took the UK
over five decades. This milestone, he noted, exemplifies France's commitment to
engaging with Nigeria as a strategic economic and cultural partner.
Aig-Imoukhuede delivered a memorable statement that resonated
with attendees: "Over 13 years ago, Jim Ovia, then CEO and now Chairman of
Zenith Bank, set the pace for Access Bank to open in the UK. Today, Access Bank
has set the pace for Zenith Bank to open in France."
This symbolic evolution not only underscores the dynamism of Nigerian banks, but also highlights the synergy between Nigerian and French leadership in cultivating mutual opportunities.
The event coincided with broader engagements during President
Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, where business leaders from both nations,
including Aliko Dangote and Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank, convened
under the auspices of the France-Nigeria Business Council. French industry
heavyweights like Patrick Pouyanné of Total Energies and Bernard Arnault of
LVMH joined their Nigerian counterparts in exploring avenues to strengthen
economic and cultural exchanges. www.accessbankplc.com
As the President of the France-Nigeria Business Council,
Aig-Imoukhuede reinforced the Council’s role as a catalyst for partnerships
that harness the enterprising spirit of Nigeria and the industrial expertise of
France. The Council continues to bridge gaps and foster collaborations in key
sectors such as energy, technology, and sustainable development.
"France must seize this Nigerian moment,"
Aig-Imoukhuede urged, reiterating the unique opportunity for France to engage
with Nigeria as it emerges as a global economic powerhouse.
The launch of Zenith Bank in Paris and the strengthened
relations it symbolises, herald a new chapter in the partnership between France
and Nigeria—one that promises shared growth, innovation, and resilience.
Access Holdings PLC
Access Holdings Plc is a leading multinational financial
services group that offers commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and
asset management services. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Access Holdings
operates through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets,
spanning three continents, 23 countries, and 60+ million customers.
Access transitioned into a holding company to drive rapid
growth and become a full-scale ecosystem player offering interconnected
services across customer needs. Established in 2022, Access Holdings Plc
consists of the Access Bank Group; Access Pensions; a Payment and Switching
Services Company; a Digital Lending Company, and an Insurance Brokerage
Company. The banking vertical serves its various markets through four business
segments: Retail, Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is it
arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last
eighteen years, becoming one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base
and Sub-Saharan Africa's largest bank by total assets.
Access Holdings strives to deliver sustainable economic growth
that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping
customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
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