Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and economic diversification by hosting the 19th edition of its Export Management Programme, EMP, aimed at equipping businesses with the skills needed to compete in regional and international markets.
The programme, held recently at the Lagos Business School in Ajah, Lagos, was organised in partnership with LBS and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. The training brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, regulators and aspiring exporters for an intensive workshop focused on export development and international trade.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank, Isaiah Ndukwe, said the bank remains committed to helping Nigerian businesses take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to him, capacity building remains essential to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential and increasing the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
“At Fidelity Bank, we recognize that capacity building is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential. Through the Export Management Programme, we are equipping businesses with practical knowledge, market intelligence and strategic insights required to compete successfully in regional and global markets,” Ndukwe said.
He added that the bank’s objective is to ensure Nigerian exporters are adequately prepared to leverage AfCFTA opportunities while contributing to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
Ndukwe also noted that the bank would continue to provide exporters with financial solutions, advisory services and strategic partnerships to support business expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Director of the Export Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Frank Ojadi, stressed the importance of continuous learning and capacity development in the evolving global trade environment.
“The export market is always evolving. There are changes in policies, improvements in processes and increasing interest from businesses. These developments make it necessary to build the capabilities of our people to compete effectively in export markets,” Ojadi said.
He explained that the latest edition of the programme focused significantly on AfCFTA, exposing participants to practical strategies for exploring opportunities within the African market.
Also speaking, Senior Fellow and Head of the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at Lagos Business School, Uche Attoh, highlighted the role of negotiation and dispute resolution in international trade.
According to Attoh, understanding negotiation and arbitration principles is essential for businesses seeking to operate successfully across different markets and jurisdictions.
Participants at the programme described the training as impactful and beneficial. Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Obinna Oforum, said the workshop strengthened his determination to become an advocate for export development.
Similarly, Orji Samuel commended Fidelity Bank and Lagos Business School for creating an accessible learning platform, noting that the knowledge acquired would help participants overcome export-related challenges and identify new business opportunities.
The Export Management Programme remains Fidelity Bank’s flagship capacity-building initiative designed to develop export-ready businesses and professionals capable of driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth. Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, the bank says it will continue supporting trade facilitation and sustainable economic development across the country.
