The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has petitioned the federal government over NIBC India’s illegal operations in Nigeria, stating that the “illegitimate entity” is operating without proper registration and authorisation.
In a petition addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, NACCIMA’s national president, Dele Kelvin Oye, urged the federal government to investigate the entity, which is planning to host a Nigeria-India Investors’ Forum and Business Expo scheduled for 17–18 November 2024.
Others copied in the petition include the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); 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 said: “On behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), I hereby submit this petition to formally address our concerns regarding the forthcoming Nigeria-India Investors’ Forum and Business Expo scheduled for 17–18 November 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 declared that it had no affiliation with the planning, organisation, or execution of the event.
“NIBC India is not recognised as a legitimate entity in Nigeria, and we believe that its actions to extend invitations to various government agencies and private businesses lack 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 undermine the foundational agreements and efforts established by NIBC Nigeria.
“This misrepresentation could adversely affect the credibility of both parties involved in Nigeria-India trade relations. Moreover, participation in this unauthorised forum could lead to violations of existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and India. There are also potential implications for compliance with Nigerian laws regarding criminal activity and immigration, which must be closely scrutinised,” he said.
Mr Oye warned companies, government officials, and stakeholders to refrain from engaging with the proposed event.
Collaboration with a non-registered and unauthorised entity could result in severe legal and operational repercussions,” he added.
NACCIMA called on the Minister to Investigate the legitimacy of NIBC India, Issue a public statement discouraging Nigerian stakeholders from participating in the forum, and collaborate with NACCIMA to ensure that future initiatives involving Nigeria and India adhere to proper standards and ethical conduct.
