EnterpriseNGR Set to Position Lagos as Africa’s Premier Financial Services Centre

Kayode Tokede

EnterpriseNGR, a member-led, not-for-profit Professional Advocacy Group representing Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) Sector, disclosed plans to position Lagos state as a premier financial services centre in Africa at its quarterly members’ night dinner hosted by Templars, one of its Founding Members.

 The dinner was attended by top executives from member organisations and prospects, providing a relaxed evening of exquisite wining, dining, networking, and discussions about EnterpriseNGR’s significant milestones. These milestones include becoming a member of the prestigious World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC), its partnership with Lagos State Government, and their joint participation as the first African city to be featured in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, UK, the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme and the annual State of Enterprise (SOE) Report.

The Chairman of EnterpriseNGR’s board of directors, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede emphasized on the significance of public-private partnerships in realizing the organisation’s objectives of positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier financial hub.

He noted that Nigeria, with the concerted efforts of Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, along with its members, possesses a robust opportunity to become the gateway for significant investments in Africa. He further reiterated that EnterpriseNGR has meticulously examined the strategies employed by nations in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East that have excelled in attracting massive investments and developing their cities into premier financial destinations.

 Showcasing Lagos at the Grand Procession and related high profile events at the Lord Mayor’s Show, UK, provides an excellent opportunity for EnterpriseNGR and Lagos State to gain the necessary positive global attention, engage with investors and demonstrate Lagos State’s commitment to becoming an international financial centre.

Chief Executive Officer of EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe highlighted the group’s remarkable achievements in the last two years. These achievements include uniting the voice of the FPS sector by growing the membership of EnterpriseNGR from 7 Founding Members to 23 members across all membership categories.

Ibekwe also noted the successful implementation of EnterpriseNGR’s flagship initiative, the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme. 

She stated that the YOE Internship Programme equips young graduates with employability skills and offers valuable workplace experience with member organisations and other partnering organisations.

Deputy Managing Partner at Templars, Mr. Chike Obianwu said the significance of Templars becoming a member of EnterpriseNGR. The law firm aims to speak with one voice, influence policies for the advancement of the private sector, and contribute to capacity building among the youth and thereby expanding their market reach across various sectors in the economy.

 By the end of 2023, nearly 1,000 youths would have been trained and placed in high value internship positions in the FPS sector, with many being retained by the organisations they interned with.