Business

Access Bank GMD Herbert Wigwe Assumes Office As Pioneer President of France Nigeria Business Council

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

42 Views

The Pioneer President of the France Nigeria Business Council, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has handed over the reins of the council after a successful two year tenure to Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank. Rabiu, the founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, handed over the reins to Wigwe in a ceremony held today, marking a new chapter in the Council’s history.

During Rabiu’s tenure as the pioneer President, the Council achieved significant milestones in strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, promoting mutual growth and prosperity. Under his leadership, the Council organized 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.

In his farewell address, Rabiu expressed gratitude to the Council members, President 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.

The incoming President, Herbert Wigwe is a seasoned banker and a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking sector. Rabiu expressed confidence in Wigwe’s ability to lead the Council towards new heights, citing his vast experience and keen understanding of the global financial landscape as key assets.

As Wigwe begins his tenure, Council members have pledged their support and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth for both France and Nigeria.

About the France Nigeria Business Council:

The France Nigeria Business Council is a key platform for strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, with the aim of promoting mutual growth and prosperity. It serves as a nexus for collaboration, innovation, and partnership between the two nations, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Business

Illicit Financial Flows Draining National Resources – Adedeji

He emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.

Published

22 hours ago

July 22, 2025

OCHEFA

16 Views

•Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji

On July 22, 2025, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, delivered the welcome address at the National Conference on Illicit Financial Flows in Abuja.

He emphasizied the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.

He cited the recent tax reforms as a major step forward and highlighted the following as key points in his welcome address:

* Illicit Financial Flows through tax evasion, profit shifting and money laundering are draining national resources and threatening fiscal stability.

The recent signing of four tax reform bills marks a critical step toward transparency, system overhaul, and stronger institutions.

FIRS is responding with a multi-dimensional strategy: promoting voluntary compliance, embracing digital intelligence and enhancing enforcement under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
* A need for unified, data-driven, and globally coordinated action to close fiscal gaps and protect Nigeria’s economic future.

Business

Just in: CBN Retains July Interest Rate at 27.5% , Says 8 banks meet recapitalisation target

The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.

Published

1 day ago

July 22, 2025

OhiBaba

31 Views

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained the July Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.5 percent with all policy parameters.

The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.

Mr Cardoso explained that the asymmetric corridor was retained at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR, leaving the Cash Reserve Ratio at 50 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and a general Liquidity Ratio of 30 percent.

He said that the decision to maintain the current MPR was premised on the need to continue to ensure the ongoing inflation reduction while vigorously ensuring declining prices.

The CBN boss revealed that as of July 18, the nation’s foreign reserve stood at 40.1 billion, which could provide import cover of nine and a half months.

He also disclosed that eight banks had achieved the new recapitalisation requirements.

The governor said the monetary and fiscal authorities would continue to work together to reduce the nation’s inflation rate to a single digit.

Business

NCS Replacing 4% import charges with 1% CISS import levy

Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.

Published

2 days ago

July 22, 2025

OhiBaba

23 Views

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will be replacing the proposed 4 percent import levy with the existing 1 percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy.

The Comptroller -General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made the revelation at an engagement held in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders in the B’Odogwu platform.

The CGC who is also the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explained that, though the introduction of the 4 percent FOB had been enshrined in the constitution.

He noted that the decision to reintroduce the levy was made after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.