By Providence Ayanfeoluwa & Matthew Johnson

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, NBCC has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria with unveiling of Ivory Hall to strengthen cross-border engagement and expand trade opportunities between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of First Bank Ivory Hall at the NBCC Plaza in Lagos, President and Chairman of Council, NBCC, Abimbola Olashore, said the idea to invest in the development of the hall is not just a sponsorship, but a powerful affirmation of confidence in the chamber’s vision, values and long-term direction.

He said the unveiling is part of a larger journey of institutional renewal, one that prioritises infrastructure capacity and capability.

Olashore said: This hall goes beyond just brick and mortar. It is an investment in each of our chambers and the wider business community.

“It will serve as the centre for high-level dialogue, policy conversations, capacity building programmes and bilateral engagements that will strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“It is a space where ideas will be shaped, partnerships forged and strategies that influences national and sectoral growth would be crafted.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to see this within the broader vision of the chamber. NBCC, committed to broadening the business environment, strengthening business environment, enhancing the euthanasia of Nigeria and expanding opportunities for enterprise investment and innovation.

“We look forward to building our partnership with the First Bank, to the job and to wider private sector. We extend this invitation. Partner with us as we continue to build an ecosystem that supports sustainable development and fosters business excellence.” said Olashore.

Also, Managing Director/ Chief Executive of first bank Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said that the opening of the Ivory hall situated at the NBCC is to create and expand opportunities for stakeholders and other businesses trying to strive.

He described the Ivory hall as an establishment of continuity, ambition to strengthen the power of enterprise and stakeholders in Lagos state.

He said the First Bank Ivory Hall reinforces role as a bridge in international opportunities, a catalyst for business, relationships, and investment, a trusted partner to NBCC community, and a committed contributor to long-term economic advancement.

Alebiosu said: “By collaborating at this scale, we reinforce our dedication to supporting business communities, facilitating cross-border engagement, and contributing meaningfully to conversations that advance economic progress.

The First Bank Ivory Hall stands as a second addition to this commitment. It’s the chamber’s largest and most strategic engagement space, where business leaders deliberate, where investors meet opportunity, and where high-impact conversations take place.

“As an institution that has served as a pillar of Nigeria for the last over 131 years, women like these deepen our commitment to platforms that strengthen connections, stimulate business growth, and expand opportunities for our stakeholders.

“Partnership with Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce is in natural alignment. The NBCC has remained a vital bridge for trade, investment, and policy dialogue within the Nigeria-UK corridor,” he said.

On his part, Deputy President of NBCC Mr. Akin Osuntoki, said partnering with First bank is a neutral opportunity in strengthening the work of the NBCC stakeholders and acknowledging other businesses who wants to grow bigger.

He described this act as a place where ideas will be shaped, businesses strive and enhancing business dreams for building business society for both government and private sectors.

He further explained that it is engaging to build the future of the chamber and widen other business organizations in policies conversation and bilateral engagement among other stakeholders.