Abuja: The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has announced plans to expand its United Kingdom network and enhance trade facilitation, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships that will boost trade and investment between Nigeria and the UK. This was revealed by the Chamber’s President, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, at the 47th Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olashore highlighted the chamber’s significant progress over the past year in implementing strategic priorities to build a stronger, more influential, and member-focused organization. He emphasized improvements in the governance structure, with the executive committee playing a central role in strategic decision-making, enhancing accountability, committee oversight, and council participation.
Olashore further noted that the chamber had conducted an audit and restructuring of its programs, expanded its UK chapter, and bolstered engagement with government stakeholders. These efforts have enhanced membership value and improved the chamber’s financial resilience. ‘While much remains to be accomplished, the foundations we have laid over the past year have positioned the chamber for sustainable growth, greater relevance, and increased impact,’ he stated.
Looking ahead, Olashore outlined the chamber’s second-year agenda, which includes consolidating gains through business development, executive education, and entrepreneurship initiatives. The chamber aims to deepen partnerships with government institutions, development finance organizations, and the private sector to unlock more trade and investment opportunities. The NBCC Academy will also be developed further to strengthen executive education and capacity building for businesses.
Preparations are underway for the chamber’s Golden Jubilee celebration in 2027, with plans to establish a dedicated sinking fund to ensure long-term financial sustainability and asset maintenance. The chamber will host the next edition of its Meet the Governor Series in September, featuring the Governor of Abia State, to showcase the state’s investment opportunities and economic priorities.
Mr. David Brown, the chamber’s Honorary Treasurer, reported that prudent financial management had strengthened the chamber’s financial position despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. The chamber successfully repaid its outstanding N8 million bank loan, leaving it debt-free while improving liquidity and maintaining healthy cash reserves. It generated N655 million in revenue in 2025, marking a 32 per cent increase over the previous year, and recorded a net surplus of N48 million.
Brown attributed the improved financial performance to stronger program participation, increased subscription income, and lower finance costs. He emphasized that the chamber would continue diversifying its income base and growing passive investment earnings to support its long-term sustainability and initiatives promoting Nigeria-UK trade and investment.