Polaris Bank has supported the launch of a new export support call centre by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and improving access to global markets.
The initiative, unveiled with backing from the bank, is designed to provide exporters with real-time information, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance to help them navigate the complexities of international trade.
Speaking at the launch, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, described the call centre as a critical tool for empowering Nigerian businesses and enhancing their global competitiveness.
“Today, we are marking a pivotal moment in our mission to empower Nigerian businesses for global markets,” Ofikulu said. “Through this collaboration, we are equipping exporters with the tools, infrastructure, and expertise needed to thrive in global markets.”
He noted that the centre would serve as a one-stop hub for exporters, particularly those in the non-oil sector, offering advisory services, market intelligence, and expert support to bridge existing knowledge and capacity gaps.
Polaris Bank contributed key infrastructure to the project, including laptops, internet-enabled modems, workstations, and high-capacity printers, to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the facility.
According to Ofikulu, the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to promote trade facilitation and economic growth by improving exporters’ access to finance and critical market information.
“This centre is not just a call centre; it is a catalyst for success, providing exporters with the resources, knowledge, and access they need to excel,” he added.
The collaboration also reflects Polaris Bank’s continued support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), with the bank offering financing solutions such as working capital support and stock refinancing, alongside advisory services on export documentation processes.
In addition, the bank leverages its digital platform, VULTe, to enable seamless intra-African trade and faster payments through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Ofikulu expressed optimism that the partnership with NACCIMA would significantly enhance export readiness among Nigerian businesses and position them to compete more effectively on the global stage.
The launch of the NACCIMA Export Support Call Centre underscores growing efforts by financial institutions and trade bodies to diversify Nigeria’s economy by promoting non-oil exports and strengthening the country’s participation in international trade.
