Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber drives new trade frontiers as Ibraimah, Udungwor call for partnerships to prosperity 

Organised by the Nigeria–Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, the conference was held under the theme: “Building Bridges of Prosperity, Advancing Nigeria-Slovenia Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation.”

Though physically absent, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary with concurrent accreditation to Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, His Excellency, Engr. Abass Braimah, set the tone with a goodwill message that underscored the strategic complementarity of both economies.

In his message to the Lagos gathering, Amb. Braimah said Nigeria and Slovenia, though separated by geography, are bound by shared purpose.

“Nigeria brings the dynamism of Africa’s largest economy, a young and enterprising population, and abundant opportunity. Slovenia brings precision, innovation and a proud tradition of industry and quality. Where these strengths meet, there is real room for lasting partnership,” the Ambassador stated.

He commended the leadership of the Chamber for deepening commercial ties, noting that business leaders remain among the most effective ambassadors of any nation. He assured participants that the Embassy of Nigeria in Budapest remains at their disposal to ensure goodwill is matched by tangible outcomes.

“Business leaders are among the most effective ambassadors a nation can have, and your work gives meaning to the friendship between our governments and peoples,” Braimah said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Nigeria–Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Uche Udungwor, said the Chamber was established on the conviction that meaningful economic relationships require more than goodwill, they require structured engagement, credible institutions, trusted networks and sustained commitment.

According to Udungwor, the leadership of the Chamber believes the economic relationship between Nigeria and Slovenia holds enormous untapped potential that must now be transformed into measurable commercial achievements.

“This conference is more than a gathering of business leaders. It is an opportunity to strengthen bilateral economic relations, establish new partnerships and advance a shared vision of sustainable prosperity,” he said.

He explained that the Chamber’s ambition is to create an environment where Slovenian companies can confidently explore opportunities in Nigeria and the wider West African region, while Nigerian businesses gain meaningful access to Slovenian expertise, technology and European markets.

“Nigeria’s vast market potential, strategic geographical position and regional economic influence, combined with Slovenia’s industrial expertise, technological innovation and European market connectivity, provide a strong foundation for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. But opportunity alone is not enough. We must move from dialogue to implementation, from introductions to partnerships, and from investment interest to tangible economic outcomes,” Udungwor declared.

The D-G disclosed that the Chamber will deepen activities in business matchmaking, trade delegations, investment facilitation, market-entry support, institutional partnerships and bilateral business events, while also promoting education, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties as foundations for trust.

He extended a direct invitation to the Slovenian business community to see Nigeria not merely as an export destination, but as a strategic partner for industrial cooperation, investment and long-term market expansion leveraging its large domestic market and ECOWAS position.

Equally, he urged Nigerian companies to look towards Slovenia as a gateway to advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, education and European business networks.

“The future of Nigeria–Slovenia economic relations will not be determined by the distance between our countries, but by the strength of our commitment to cooperation,” Udungwor stated.

He reaffirmed the Chamber’s determination to build institutional and commercial bridges, adding: “Let this conference mark a transition from possibilities to partnerships, from conversations to commitments, and from commitments to shared prosperity.”

Participants at the conference were urged to identify concrete areas for joint ventures, business missions and investment projects that would deliver sustainable value for both nations.

The event ended with a renewed message: Nigeria is open to meaningful business partnerships. Slovenia has much to offer. Together, both nations can build an enduring economic relationship.