Fidelity Bank deepens collaboration with NBCC to drive commercial activities

In a bid to strengthen its support for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and commercial activities in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank has deepened its collaboration with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).

This development is coming at a time when the government has reiterated commitments in supporting Made-in-Nigerian products and SMEs in Nigeria.

Speaking during the investiture of Nnamdi Okonkwo, managing director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, a member of the national executive committee of NBCC said that what the investiture means is that the bank will be getting more involved in helping grow commercial activities.

“For years we have been cooperating with NBCC. They deemed it necessary to appoint me as vice president. What this means is increase corporation between the bank and the chamber, as well as increase corporation between our major customers and the furtherance of commercial activities.

“Nigeria economy is improving, exchange rate is stabilizing, inflation rate is dropping and the business environment is improving. It means that the members of this chamber will feel the positive impact,” Okonkwo said.

He explained that opportunities abound in the chamber and there will be increased collaboration between businesses and the chamber.

“Fidelity is already well known for supporting SMEs and corporates. If you talk about agriculture, we are strong players as well. We have bilateral engagements with different agricultural companies. We are currently supporting a rice milling company to draw up a business plan for the next one year. We have always been supportive of farmers, commerce, manufacturing and other sectors,” he added.

Akin Olawore, the president of NBCC said the chamber plans to influence government policies bearing in mind that without appropriate policies, businesses cannot thrive.

“We are going to create business opportunities for members and keep them informed on internal and external opportunities. The British businesses will come back into our chamber and we will assist members in reducing cost of operations,” he assured.

He decried the situation where Nigeria currently exports yams to the United Kingdom through Ghana, adding that the chamber will work with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) to address the challenge.

 

Hope Moses-Ashike