UK Looks To Doubling Trade Volume With Nigeria

Atelly emerges as NBCC president

The British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, said the United Kingdom is looking to double the trade volume between Nigeria and the U.K. by next year from 6.9 billion pounds in 2022. 

Speaking at the official inauguration of the 18th president of a foremost bilateral Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Ray Chinedum Atelly, which held in Lagos, Baxter said since the inception of the NBCC, the chamber has helped Nigerian businesses thrive in the U.K. 
   
He added that they would continue to assist in reducing barriers to trade between both countries and support the NBCC as much as possible.The inauguration, which was attended by business leaders, policymakers, captains of industries and economic think tanks, saw Atelly take charge of the NBCC, which is affiliated with the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC). The chairman of HT Group, the new president has almost four decades of entrepreneurship experience and is an active member of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).
   
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for industry, trade and investment for the state, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised the chamber, saying it has over the years, fostered economic partnerships and create opportunities for growth for both countries, which she said will only continue to grow stronger. 
  
He added that chambers of commerce play pivotal roles in the areas of trade and commerce and must be encouraged and supported as much as possible. Urging Atelly to enhance innovation and collaboration in the face of the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce, he charged businesses to remain committed to ethical practices, corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices. Sanwo-Olu said he is counting on the chamber’s support to make the state the most preferred destination for business and commerce.
      
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, called for a renewed commitment to excellence and urged the new president to be a pioneer of innovation. Represented by the Director General, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, she assured the business community of her unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses.
    
In his acceptance speech, Atelly said he was ready to take on the mantle and deliver on members’ expectations, protect their interests and facilitate their growth.