Abuja, May 18th, 2023 — Nigerian businesses have gained a new avenue for global opportunities as the federal government unveils an online platform designed to connect foreign businesses with Nigerian counterparts. The Nigeria Global Business Match (NGBM) serves as a real-time one-stop-shop where foreign companies seeking to engage in business within Nigeria can securely conduct end-to-end transactions with verified Nigerian businesses.
The platform, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to leverage the ministry’s global presence to enhance Nigeria’s international business, trade, and economic relations. Through NGBM, foreign businesses gain access to a comprehensive database of registered Nigerian companies, fostering transparent and trustworthy trade partnerships.
In addition to the launch of NGBM, the government has established a dedicated help desk for Nigerians living abroad, providing them with vital information and support services. Known as the Nigeria Global Citizens Help Desk (NGCHD), it aims to cater to the needs of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Another notable project introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Unified Online Presence under the Diplomatic Service Digitalisation initiative. This initiative aims to create a unified and secure web space for all Nigerian missions and the ministry, ensuring a consistent naming pattern for enhanced visibility and accessibility.
President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari, expressed his appreciation to partner ministries, departments, and agencies for their contributions to the projects. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the platforms diligently to deliver effective and high-quality services to Nigerian citizens. President Buhari also stressed the need to sustain and improve upon these legacy projects, allowing them to compete globally.
Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the ministry’s goal of leveraging its physical presence in a hundred countries worldwide to promote the NGBM platform. By directing the attention of businesses in these countries to the portal, Nigerian businesses can seamlessly connect and engage with foreign counterparts within a secure environment. Minister Onyeama emphasized that the platform would serve as a unique matching tool, opening up a world of opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Furthermore, Minister Onyeama stated that the second initiative, the NGCHD, aligns with the ministry’s citizens’ diplomacy approach, considering the significant number of Nigerians residing abroad. The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, praised the establishment of the NGCHD, highlighting its importance in providing support, advisory services, and a reporting mechanism for emergencies. Governor Obaseki emphasized that the recent conflicts in Russia, Ukraine, and Sudan underscored the urgent need for a reliable channel through which citizens can seek help and report emergencies, particularly from Abuja and Nigeria.
The introduction of the NGBM platform and related initiatives signifies the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering global business partnerships, supporting Nigerian citizens abroad, and promoting a seamless and secure environment for trade and economic interactions. These projects are poised to create new opportunities, enhance transparency, and further strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global business landscape.
