On May 13, 2024, at Choose France Summit 2024, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the chairman of Access Holdings PLC, was formally appointed as the President of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) by the President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron.
The France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) is a coalition of Nigerian private sector business leaders which aims to foster bilateral relations between Nigeria and France through the promotion of trade, investments, infrastructural development, job creation, and cultural integration. Since its inauguration in June 2021 by President Emmanuel Macron, the Council has leveraged the network of its members to advocate investments in key business sectors that would promote cultural integration and business growth between Nigeria and France. It has provided the impetus for some Nigerian businesses to commence the process of investing in France.
The Council is made up of 13 members namely Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (President), Abdul Samad Rabiu, Gilbert Chagoury, Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and John Coumantaros. Others are Kola Karim, Leo Stan Ekeh, Daisy Danjuma, Gbenga Agboola, and Jean Haas (Secretary).
Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment follows the demise of Herbert Wigwe, the immediate past President of the Council, in February 2024.
Choose France Summit is an annual event that brings together business leaders, investors, and government officials to discuss investment opportunities in France. The highlight of the Summit is the usual high-level engagement with the President at the Presidential Dinner, where commitments are made by both sides.
