FNCCI Calls for Sustainability of Government Policies to Drive Investment, Growth in Nigeria

Bennett Oghifo

The Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) has calling for the sustainability of government policies to help drive investment and growth in Nigeria.

The new and 17th President, FNCCI, Guillaume Niarfeix, who was inaugurated at chamber’s 38th annual general meeting, recently, stated this after taking over from Usman Mohammed.

Niarfeix, who is the Chief Executive Officer, SPIE Global Services Energy Nigeria & Ghana, in his acceptance address, assured members of greater participation and that the Chamber would continue to promote France-Nigeria business exchanges.

Niarfeix, said he was committed to promoting the values of the chamber in harnessing business growth between Nigeria and France.

 He said there were lots of challenges ahead of Nigeria but he was determined to overcome them with the partnership of its board members.

He said the challenges faced was how France businesses could get access to the Nigeria market, which the chamber would work closely to tackle with the new leadership of the chamber.

 The outgone President, Mohammed, said: “Over the years, we have seen the high-impact initiatives been executed by the Chamber. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring business exchanges between French and Nigerian companies, project your brand, inform members on key developments in Nigeria, and promote France Nigerian trade.

“Through these initiatives, we have heard and seen greater business exchanges between members and created a vibrant ecosystem.

 “As of today, we have created signature initiatives like the annual CFO, CEO, Start-up technical training, Women in Business luncheon series which have been well received by members.

“These efforts and impact, according to him have endeared the Chamber to other key agencies both governmental and non-governmental who have lately collaborated and sought the endorsement of the chamber regarding their respective projects.”

Director General, FNCCI, Moses Umoru, said trade between France and Nigeria has continued to grow, seeing government helping with the repatriation of aviation funds, which businesses like Air France has participated from.

He said the chamber wants sustainability of policies and to make the policies become law to strengthen business confidence and developmental growth.

He said power was a fundamental infrastructure that the government needs to work on for businesses to achieve its optimal growth.

He said with the new leadership, members are expected to look forward for new things regarding the accustomed programme of the chamber, while looking out for the growth of startups by the chamber in trying to do businesses in Nigeria and France.

Niarfeix is an alumnus of Ecole Polytechnique and HEC Paris, Niarfeix is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in various leadership roles across diverse industries, currently serving as the Managing Director at SPIE Global Services Energy (Nigeria & Ghana) since July 2020, and a service provider operating in the renewable, maintenance, and training sectors within the Energy industry.

He has extensive experience in the sector; his career trajectory spans various roles, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to driving growth and innovation.

Additionally, Guillaume served as a Board Member at Magnifor Consulting, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he has been contributing since March 2015. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board at Lycée Français Louis Pasteur since April 2019, showcasing his commitment to educational leadership.

Niarfeix is also actively involved in the business community, holding positions such as the former Vice Chairman and Board Member at the FNCCI and Eurocham Nigeria, respectively. His expertise extends to various advisory roles, including his tenure as a member of the Advisory Board at CyberTaskForce from April 2017 to June 2020.

With a career spanning over a decade, Niarfeix has amassed valuable experience in risk management, supply chain, strategy consulting, and project management, having worked with reputable organizations such as TotalEnergies and IBX Business Network.