*Says entity illegitimate, may violate existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria, India
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has petitioned the federal government over the illegal operations of the NIBC-India in Nigeria, stating that the entity is operating without proper registration and authorisation.
In a petition by National President of NACCIMA, Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, NACCIMA urged the federal government to investigate the operations of the entity planning to host a Nigeria-India Investor’s Forum and Business Expo scheduled for November 17 and 18, 2024.
Others copied in the petition were Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Indian High Commissioner; President of NIBC Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor; and Secretary of 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 authorization within Nigeria.”
The petition further read, “NACCIMA wants to make it clear that we have no affiliation with the planning, organization, or execution of this event. NIBC India is not recognized 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 unauthorized 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 scrutinized due to the lack of credibility of the organizing body.”
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 unauthorized entity could result in severe legal and operational repercussions.”
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.”
Oye added, “NACCIMA remains dedicated to fostering legitimate trade relationships between Nigeria and India. We are prepared to work closely with your office and relevant authorities to ensure that foreign entities engage with Nigerian businesses ethically and transparently.
“We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support of diplomatic and trade relations, and we hope that your esteemed office will take immediate action to address our concerns regarding this unauthorised event.”
