Polaris Bank Champions MSME Export Growth at NAHCO/NACCIMA Event
Polaris Bank has reiterated its dedication to bolstering Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through participation in the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme titled *Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities.*
This one-day event convened regulators, industry players, exporters, and trade organizations to develop actionable solutions aimed at removing trade obstacles, facilitating access to finance, and fostering a more resilient and diversified Nigerian economy.
The event also officially launched the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs in Nigeria, establishing structured platforms for exporters to access trade facilitation services, logistics solutions, regulatory guidance, and financial support along the export value chain.
During the session, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, emphasized the significance of export diversification for Nigeria’s economy. He highlighted the vital role of SMEs in creating a resilient economic environment, stating that “reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues requires coordinated action across the public and private sectors to strengthen non-oil exports, particularly within agro-exports and commodity trade.”
“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 affirmed.
The discussion also addressed key structural challenges faced by exporters, including infrastructure deficiencies, port inefficiencies, logistics hurdles, standards and certification requirements, and policy inconsistencies.
Participants called for increased collaboration between government agencies, trade associations, financial institutions, and logistics providers to streamline export procedures and enhance market access for Nigerian SMEs.
Olaleye Arinola, Polaris Bank’s Team Lead for Trade Services, highlighted the importance of eliminating trade and payment barriers that hinder exporter competitiveness and cash flow. He stressed the bank’s commitment to building confidence and certainty in the export process through practical financial and advisory services.
“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 explained.
As part of its ongoing partnership with the business community, Polaris Bank introduced a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members, designed to offer direct support for trade finance, payment issues, rapid resolution of export inquiries, and personalized advice on FX documentation and regulatory compliance.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with NAHCO, NACCIMA, and other stakeholders to build exporter capacity, promote value addition in agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses in regional and international markets.
As Nigeria pursues its economic diversification goals, Polaris Bank positions itself as a trusted partner for SME exporters, offering the financial resources, expertise, and institutional support needed to compete globally and contribute to long-term national development and economic resilience.