Polaris Bank has reiterated its strategic commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem and empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as it participated in the NAHCO and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Export Group Programme.
The one-day programme, themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities,” convened regulators, industry stakeholders, exporters and trade bodies to advance practical solutions aimed at easing trade barriers, improving access to finance and promoting a more resilient and diversified Nigerian economy.
The event also marked the formal launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs, providing a structured platform through which exporters can access trade facilitation services, logistics support, regulatory guidance and tailored financial solutions across the export value chain.
Speaking at the programme, the Executive Director of Polaris Bank, Mr Chris Ofikulu, underscored the national importance of export diversification and the critical role of SMEs in driving sustainable economic growth. He noted that reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues requires deliberate and coordinated action by both public and private sector stakeholders, particularly in strengthening non-oil exports such as agro-exports and commodity trade.
According to him, expanding non-oil exports is a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive and competitive economy, adding that SMEs hold the key to unlocking Nigeria’s comparative advantage in global trade. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to providing finance, advisory services and strategic partnerships to enable SMEs scale operations and compete internationally.
Discussions at the engagement also focused on addressing longstanding structural challenges confronting exporters, including infrastructure deficits, port inefficiencies, logistics constraints, standards and certification requirements, as well as the need for policy consistency.
Participants emphasized the importance of stronger public-private collaboration involving government agencies, trade associations, financial institutions and logistics providers to simplify export procedures and improve market access for Nigerian SMEs.
Also addressing stakeholders, Mr Olaleye Arinola, Team Lead, Trade Services at Polaris Bank, highlighted the need to remove trade and payment bottlenecks that undermine exporter competitiveness and cash flow. He stressed the Bank’s focus on building confidence and predictability in the export process through practical financial and advisory support.
He explained that sustainable export growth depends on efficient trade finance and payment systems, noting that Polaris Bank is committed to helping SMEs receive payments faster and more securely through efficient trade finance solutions, seamless cross-border payments and hands-on guidance on documentation, foreign exchange and regulatory compliance.
As part of its partnership with the organised private sector, Polaris Bank unveiled a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members. The initiative is designed to provide direct access to trade finance and payment support, fast-track the resolution of export-related enquiries, and offer personalised advisory services on foreign exchange documentation and regulatory requirements.
The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NAHCO, NACCIMA and other stakeholders to strengthen exporter capacity, promote value addition in agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification, Polaris Bank said it remains positioned as a trusted partner to SME exporters, providing the finance, expertise and institutional support required to enhance global competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to national development and long-term economic resilience.
