Polaris Bank Deepens Support for MSME Export Growth at NAHCO/NACCIMA Trade Engagement

Story written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited and Mr. Friday PR.

Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s non-oil export expansion and MSME development by participating in the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities.”
The one-day forum convened regulators, exporters, trade associations, and industry stakeholders to identify practical pathways for lowering trade barriers, improving access to finance, and strengthening Nigeria’s export-led growth strategy.
A major highlight of the programme was the official launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs, initiatives designed to provide exporters with structured access to logistics solutions, regulatory guidance, trade facilitation services, and tailored financial support across the export value chain.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Polaris Bank, Chris Ofikulu, stressed the urgency of export diversification and the pivotal role of SMEs in achieving sustainable economic resilience. He noted that reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue requires deliberate collaboration between public and private sector players to boost non-oil exports, especially agro-based products and commodities.
“Non-oil export expansion is a national necessity, not a choice. MSMEs, particularly in agro-exports and commodity trade, are critical to unlocking Nigeria’s competitive edge. Polaris Bank is committed to providing the financing, advisory services, and partnerships SMEs need to grow confidently and compete in global markets,” Ofikulu said.
Discussions at the forum also addressed persistent challenges facing exporters, including infrastructure deficits, port inefficiencies, logistics bottlenecks, compliance with quality standards, certification hurdles, and policy inconsistency.
Stakeholders at the event called for deeper public-private collaboration involving government agencies, financial institutions, logistics operators, and trade bodies to simplify export processes and expand market access for Nigerian businesses.
Also speaking, Olaleye Arinola, Team Lead, Trade Services, Polaris Bank, highlighted the need to eliminate trade finance and payment obstacles that weaken exporter competitiveness and disrupt cash flow. He emphasized the bank’s commitment to creating clarity and efficiency across export transactions.
“Exports cannot thrive where payments and finance remain bottlenecks. Our focus at Polaris Bank is to simplify international trade by ensuring SMEs receive payments faster, more securely, and with certainty through efficient trade finance solutions, seamless cross-border payments, and hands-on support with FX, documentation, and compliance,” Arinola explained.
As part of its growing partnership with the trade and business community, Polaris Bank unveiled a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members, offering direct access to trade finance solutions, expedited resolution of export-related issues, and personalised advisory support on foreign exchange documentation and regulatory requirements.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate closely with NAHCO, NACCIMA, and other stakeholders to build exporter capacity, promote value addition in agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses across regional and global markets.
As Nigeria accelerates its economic diversification drive, Polaris Bank continues to position itself as a dependable partner for SME exporters—providing the financial solutions, technical expertise, and institutional backing needed to compete internationally and contribute meaningfully to long-term national growth