The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has raised concerns with the Federal Government over the illegal operations of NIBC-India in Nigeria, citing the entity’s lack of proper registration and authorization.
In a petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Yusuf Tuggar, NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., called for an investigation into the entity’s activities, especially its plans to hold the Nigeria-India Investor’s Forum and Business Expo on November 17-18, 2024.
Others copied in the petition included the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Indian High Commissioner, the President of NIBC Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, and the Secretary of the Nigeria-India Business Council.
Oye stated, “On behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), l hereby submit this petition to formally address our concerns regarding the forthcoming Nigeria-India Investor’s Forum and Business Expo scheduled for November 17th to 18th, 2024.
“This event has been announced by an entity known as NIBC India, which we assert is operating without proper registration and authorisation within Nigeria.”
“NACCIMA wants to make it clear that we have no affiliation with the planning, organisation, or execution of this event. NIBC India is not recognised as a legitimate entity in Nigeria, and we believe that their actions to extend invitations to various government agencies and private businesses lack the necessary legitimacy.
“NIBC Nigeria, a legitimate member of NACCIMA, officially represents Nigerian interests in business relations with India. We are concerned that the activities of NIBC India might mislead participants and misrepresent the foundational agreements and efforts that NIBC Nigeria has established. This misrepresentation could adversely affect the credibility of both parties involved in Nigeria-India trade relations.
“We believe that participation in this unauthorised forum could lead to violations of existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and India. Moreover, there are potential implications for compliance with Nigerian laws regarding criminal activity and immigration that must be closely scrutinised due to the lack of credibility of the organising body,” the petition further read.
The NACCIMA boss stated, “In light of these developments, we strongly exhort all companies, government officials, and stakeholders to refrain from engaging with this proposed event. Collaboration with a non-registered and unauthorised entity could result in severe legal and operational repercussions.
“We respectfully urge your esteemed office to intervene in this matter by: Investigating the legitimacy of NIBC India; issuing a public statement to dissuade Nigerian stakeholders from participating in the mentioned forum, and collaborating with NACCIMA to ensure that any future initiatives involving Nigeria and India adhere to the required standards of propriety and ethical conduct.”
Oye added that NACCIMA remains committed to fostering legitimate trade relations between Nigeria and India.
He emphasized that the association is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities to ensure that foreign entities engage with Nigerian businesses in an ethical and transparent manner.
NACCIMA said, “We respectfully urge your esteemed office to intervene in this matter by: Investigating the legitimacy of NIBC India; issuing a public statement to dissuade Nigerian stakeholders from participating in the mentioned forum, and collaborating with NACCIMA to ensure that any future initiatives involving Nigeria and India adhere to the required standards of propriety and ethical conduct.”
