Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem and empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, MSMEs at the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme.
The one-day engagement, themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities,” brought together regulators, exporters, industry stakeholders and trade bodies to explore practical solutions to trade barriers, improve access to finance and promote a more diversified Nigerian economy.
The programme also featured the formal launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs, aimed at providing exporters with access to trade facilitation services, logistics support, regulatory guidance and tailored financial solutions across the export value chain.
Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Chris Ofikulu, stressed the importance of export diversification to Nigeria’s economic resilience, noting that SMEs play a critical role in reducing dependence on oil revenues. He said coordinated public and private sector efforts are required to strengthen non-oil exports, particularly in agro-exports and commodity trade.
Ofikulu described the expansion of non-oil exports as a strategic imperative, adding that Polaris Bank remains committed to providing finance, advisory support and partnerships to help SMEs scale and compete globally.
Discussions at the programme also addressed challenges facing exporters, including infrastructure gaps, port inefficiencies, logistics constraints, standards and certification requirements, as well as policy consistency. Participants called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, trade bodies and logistics providers to simplify export procedures and improve market access for Nigerian SMEs.
Also speaking, Team Lead, Trade Services at Polaris Bank, Mr. Olaleye Arinola, highlighted the need to eliminate trade and payment bottlenecks that affect exporter competitiveness and cash flow. He said the bank is focused on ensuring faster, safer and more predictable payments through efficient trade finance solutions, secure cross-border transactions and advisory support on documentation, foreign exchange and compliance.
As part of its engagement with the business community, Polaris Bank unveiled a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members to provide direct access to trade finance and payment support, fast-track export-related enquiries and offer personalised advisory services.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working with NAHCO, NACCIMA and other stakeholders to strengthen exporter capacity, promote value addition and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.
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