Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its strategic dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem and empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) on the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme themed *Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities.”
The one-day engagement introduced collectively regulators, trade stakeholders, exporters and commerce our bodies to advance sensible options for alleviating commerce boundaries, bettering entry to finance and constructing a extra resilient and diversified Nigerian economic system.
The programme additionally marked the formal introduction and launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs in Nigeria, making a structured platform for exporters to entry commerce facilitation companies, logistics assist, regulatory steering and {financial} options throughout the export worth chain.
Speaking on the programme, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, underscored the nationwide significance of export diversification and the central position of SMEs in constructing a resilient economic system. He famous that lowering Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues requires coordinated motion throughout the private and non-private sectors to strengthen non-oil exports, notably inside agro-exports and commodity commerce.
“Expanding non-oil exports is not optional; it is a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive and competitive Nigerian economy. SMEs, particularly in agro-exports and commodity trade, hold the key to unlocking our true comparative advantage. Polaris Bank remains committed to providing the finance, advisory support and partnerships required to help them scale confidently and compete globally,” Ofikulu stated.
The engagement additionally centered on addressing structural challenges confronting exporters, together with infrastructure gaps, port inefficiencies, logistics constraints, requirements and certification necessities, and coverage consistency.
Participants emphasised the necessity for stronger public-private collaboration amongst authorities businesses, commerce our bodies, {financial} establishments and logistics companions to simplify export procedures and enhance market entry for Nigerian SMEs.
Also addressing stakeholders, Olaleye Arinola, Team Lead, Trade Services, Polaris Bank, highlighted the significance of eradicating commerce and fee bottlenecks that restrict exporter competitiveness and money circulate. He emphasised the Bank’s concentrate on constructing confidence and certainty into the export course of by way of sensible {financial} and advisory assist.
“Exports cannot grow if finance and payments remain obstacles. At Polaris Bank, our focus is on removing friction from international trade by ensuring SMEs get paid faster, safer and with greater certainty through efficient trade finance, secure cross-border payments and hands-on guidance across documentation, FX and compliance,” Arinola stated.
As a part of its partnership with the enterprise and commerce group, Polaris Bank unveiled a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members, designed to offer direct entry to commerce finance and fee assist, fast-track decision of export-related enquiries, and customized advisory companies on FX documentation and regulatory compliance.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed its dedication to working carefully with NAHCO, NACCIMA and different stakeholders to strengthen exporter capability, promote worth addition throughout agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable development alternatives for Nigerian companies in regional and world markets.
As Nigeria advances its {economic} diversification agenda, Polaris Bank stays positioned as a trusted associate for SME exporters, offering the finance, information and institutional assist required to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to nationwide improvement and long-term {economic} resilience.
