New Waves After Wigwe at France-Nigeria Business Council

As is the case with the sea where new waves must replace the old to keep the water world alive, so it is with the corporate world. Following the passing of the former Group CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his old friend and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is set to cover for him at the France-Nigeria Business Council. Wigwe’s absence really does leave myriad gaps in the corporate world.

The France-Nigeria Business Council is regrouping. Formerly headed by Wigwe, the council has had to install Aig-Imoukhuede temporarily until a Chairman is elected in May 2024. In the meantime, Aig-Imoukhuede has to continue where Wigwe stopped, just like in the old times.

The France-Nigeria Business Council is one of the strongest alliances in the country. Formed by the French and Nigerian governments and very influential businessmen from both countries, the council aims at maximising corporate relations between the two nations. At its inception in 2021, BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, was elected Chairman of the Council and he helped strengthen the business relations between the two nations.

Wigwe took over from Rabiu in May 2023, vowing to continue where Rabiu stopped. His inauguration was celebrated by both the French and Nigerian governments, who were equally confident in Wigwe’s business aptitude and ingenuity. After all, he had proved himself with Access Holdings, resulting in soaring expectations of him.

Unfortunately, Wigwe’s passing on February 9, 2024, collapsed all these expectations. Perhaps thinking to sustain his distinctive business outlook, the France-Nigeria Business Council had Wigwe’s old business pal, Aig-Imoukhuede, occupy the Chairman’s role temporarily.

Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede are responsible for Access Bank’s resurgence in 2002. The pair purchased the bank and made it one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions in a matter of 15 years. This indicates that Aig-Imoukhuede understands Wigwe well enough to continue in his place as the Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council.