Months after Access Holdings declared its intention to open a new unit in France and consolidate its European operations, Nigerian businessman and multimillionaire banker Herbert Wigwe convened with Emmanuelle Blatmann, the ambassador of France to Nigeria, to promote collaboration and cultural exchange between Nigeria and France.
Wigwe, the CEO of Access Holdings, Nigeria’s largest financial services group in assets terms, expressed his delight at being hosted by the French ambassador to Nigeria in a tweet about the meeting.
The tweet reads: “What a delight being hosted by Her Excellency, Emmanuelle Blatmann, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria. Together, we can and will facilitate collaboration and cultural exchange between Nigeria and France. This partnership is here to stay.”
Why it matters: It’s the second time this year that Wigwe has met with Blatmann
This is the second meeting between Wigwe and Blatmann this year – following their initial meeting on Feb. 22, when the multimillionaire businessman hosted the ambassador.
The renewed dialogue comes at a time when Access Holdings is planning to launch a new banking unit in France as part of its move to consolidate its presence in Europe.
Wigwe’s tweet highlights the importance of collaboration and cultural exchange between Nigeria and France. The partnership between Access Holdings and the French government is expected to bring mutual benefits to both countries and facilitate trade and investment.
As a leading financial services provider in Africa, Access Holdings’ expansion into the European market is expected to further boost its profile and solidify its position as a prominent player in the African financial services industry.
Herbert Wigwe’s stake in Access Holdings makes him one of Nigeria’s richest investors
Access Holdings is a leading financial services group in Nigeria, boasting one of the largest market caps on the Nigerian Exchange.
With operations spanning 12 African countries, the company is actively expanding its presence in Europe, including the consolidation of its existing operations in London and the launch of a new unit in France.
Wigwe, a Nigerian business executive who played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion, holds a 4.51 percent stake in Access Holdings.
Under his leadership, the pan-African financial services conglomerate’s total assets have exceeded $30 billion, and its retained earnings have surpassed $1 billion.
As of this report’s drafting, Access Holdings has a market capitalization of N316 billion ($686 million), ranking it as the 15th most valuable company on the Nigerian Exchange.
Wigwe’s 4.51-percent stake is presently worth N14.25 billion ($31 million), positioning him as one of the wealthiest investors on the local bourse.
