Type=image;ImageID=3089;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Representatives with the memorandum of understanding;TitleClass=strong;
Professor Mala Daura, Professor Ibrahim Njodi and Dr Aliyu Shugaba from the University of Maiduguri visited the city earlier this month to meet with business leaders, representatives from the University of Wolverhampton and the council.
The group signed a memorandum of understanding, which signifies their intent to collaborate with the city on international trade, inward investment, entrepreneurship development and education and training.
Discussions during their visit centred on trade for small to medium businesses from Wolverhampton and getting a foothold in the country.
Also, Nissan has recently announced that it will build a manufacturing plant in Lagos, talks were held about Wolverhampton firms potentially taking advantage through supply chain opportunities.
Nigeria's economy is growing at around 7% per year and work has already been undertaken to develop links between the country and Wolverhampton.
The University of Wolverhampton has an office in Lagos to assist with the recruitment of overseas students. The Business Solutions Centre has been working for the past 14 months with the University of Maiduguri in the area of business start up and entrepreneurship.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "It is vitally important that we explore new and developing markets to attract inward investment.
"The potential for Wolverhampton businesses to forge strong, mutually beneficial business relationships with Nigerian companies is great and we are working hard to help facilitate this.
"We were delighted to welcome the Nigerian delegation to Wolverhampton and hope to develop this partnership further."
- released: Tuesday 17 December, 2013