Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem, as it joined key public and private sector stakeholders at the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme focused on supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs involved in agro-exports and commodity trade.
The one-day programme, themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities,” brought together regulators, exporters, logistics providers and trade associations to identify practical ways to ease export processes, improve access to finance and reduce structural bottlenecks affecting Nigerian exporters.
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the NACCIMA Export Group alongside the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs, both designed to serve as structured hubs where exporters can access logistics solutions, regulatory guidance, trade facilitation services and financial support across the export value chain.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Polaris Bank used the platform to restate its position on export-led economic diversification, with its Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, stressing that Nigeria’s long-term economic stability depends on reducing reliance on crude oil revenues.
According to Ofikulu, SMEs operating within agro-exports and commodity markets remain central to unlocking Nigeria’s comparative advantage in global trade. He noted that export diversification requires close coordination between financial institutions, government agencies and industry players to build a resilient and competitive non-oil sector.
“Growing non-oil exports is no longer a choice; it is a strategic necessity,” Ofikulu said. “SMEs hold the key to this transition, and Polaris Bank is focused on providing the finance, advisory services and partnerships they need to scale sustainably and compete internationally.”
Discussions at the programme also spotlighted long-standing challenges facing exporters, including port inefficiencies, weak infrastructure, logistics constraints, certification standards, compliance requirements and policy inconsistencies. Participants called for stronger collaboration across the export ecosystem to streamline procedures and improve market access for Nigerian businesses.
Speaking during the session, Olaleye Arinola, Polaris Bank’s Team Lead for Trade Services, said trade finance and payment barriers remain critical obstacles for MSMEs. He explained that the bank is prioritising solutions that ensure exporters receive payments promptly while navigating foreign exchange and documentation requirements with greater certainty.
“Export growth is impossible if payment and finance issues persist,” Arinola said. “Our approach is to remove friction from international trade by offering secure cross-border payments, efficient trade finance solutions and hands-on support around FX, documentation and compliance.”
As part of its engagement with the organised private sector, Polaris Bank also introduced a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members, aimed at providing direct assistance on trade finance, payment challenges, export documentation and regulatory issues.
The bank said it will continue to work closely with NAHCO, NACCIMA and other stakeholders to build exporter capacity, encourage value addition in agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian MSMEs in regional and global markets.
With Nigeria pushing deeper into economic diversification, Polaris Bank positions itself as a key financial partner for SME exporters, offering the institutional support, expertise and funding needed to drive long-term growth and national economic resilience.
