The European Business Chamber (Eurocham) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of European businesses in Nigeria while strengthening bilateral ties with the country across key sectors like agriculture, youth empowerment, digital innovation, and green energy.
This commitment was reiterated at a cocktail dinner held over the weekend in Lagos, marking the close of the European Month and the 75th anniversary of European integration, originally founded on the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950.
The high-level event attracted notable dignitaries, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; and the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, among other stakeholders from public and private sectors.
In his welcome address, Yann Gibert, the President of Eurocham, described the Chamber as a strategic bridge connecting European companies with Nigeria’s expanding and dynamic market. He noted that despite the market’s complexity, opportunities abound for businesses that are ready to engage, innovate, and collaborate.
“We are proud to serve as a bridge between European businesses and Nigeria’s vibrant economy. We remain committed to strengthening economic and cultural ties,” Gibert stated.
According to him, Eurocham continues to support European businesses navigating Nigeria’s evolving regulatory, legal, and operational environment, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth.
Gibert also reaffirmed the Chamber’s focus on key development areas:
“Agriculture remains a top priority. We’re also investing energy into digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment — these are essential pillars for long-term success,” he said.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot, in his remarks, reflected on the 75-year journey of European integration, emphasizing the depth of EU–Nigeria economic ties.
“The EU currently accounts for 28 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign trade and nearly one-third of all foreign direct investment into the country,” Mignot said. “These figures show Europe’s strong and lasting presence in Nigeria.”
The Ambassador also highlighted the success of the month-long European integration celebration held across major cities including Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, and Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Looking ahead, Mignot revealed that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) would be opening its first West African office in Lagos by September 2025. He noted that this development would complement the European Investment Bank (EIB) and boost Europe’s investment footprint in Nigeria.
In his keynote speech, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the strengthened ties between European stakeholders and Lagos State. He reassured investors that Lagos is committed to maintaining a business-friendly environment, driven by security, infrastructure upgrades, and investment incentives.
“We will continue to make Lagos safe and attractive for investment. Our doors remain open, and our commitment to economic growth and private sector participation is firm,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also called on European companies not yet present in Lagos to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in various sectors across the state.
The event concluded with networking and cultural engagement, marking the success of a month-long celebration of unity, trade collaboration, and shared values between Europe and Nigeria.
