The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) has said it will strengthen its relationship and commitment to the country and the business community, as Nigeria emerged a vital destination in achieving its goal.
CWEIC, mandated by 52 Heads of Government to promote trade and investment across the Commonwealth, has already appointed Mr Obinna Anyanwu as its first Country Head for Nigeria, ahead of next year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
In support of Anyanwu's appointment, CWEIC's Chief Executive Officer, Richard Burge, will visit Nigeria later this month to rally business support for greater Commonwealth engagement.
The visit to Nigeria, which will be Richard's second since his appointment in March 2017, will include a meeting with key government and business leaders interested in investment opportunities across the Commonwealth.
According to the group, a successful Business Forum requires a strong Nigerian delegation representing a diverse range of industries and as the largest economy and a leader in the Commonwealth Business Community, "where Nigerian business goes, others follow."
"The importance of Nigeria to the Commonwealth cannot be overstated. Having lived for four years in Nigeria, it is one of my personal objectives to strengthen our engagement with the largest and most vibrant economy in Africa.
By appointing our first County Head for Nigeria, and increasing our activity in Nigeria we aim to ensure the strongest possible Nigerian participation in the Commonwealth Business Forum 2018 and beyond," Burge said.
Similarly, CWEIC, in partnership with the UK Government and the City of London, will convene Commonwealth leaders for the 11th Commonwealth Business Forum from April 16 to 18, 2018, in the United Kingdom.
About 800 Business leaders and 30 Heads of Government will gather in London to discuss trade and investment in a forum that provides a unique platform for high-level dialogue between business and government leaders from the Commonwealth.
It will also be an unequalled opportunity to access new business opportunities from the association's 52 members countries, where President Muhammadu Buhari, has already been invited to make an address and lead a delegation of Nigerian businesses.
The CWEIC Advisory Board Members include Governors of Lagos and Akwa Ibom states, Akinwunmi Ambode and Udom Emmanuel, respectively.
Also, Mr. Babatunde Soyoye, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Mr. Chibuike Achigbu, Mr. Peter Obi and Mr. Greg Ogbeifun have been invited to play key roles at the forum.
CWEIC is now encouraging senior Nigerian business leaders to apply to become strategic partners of the group by contacting the country head, Anyanwu, as they would be invited to sit on CWEIC's International Advisory Board and help steer its Nigerian committee.
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