Polaris Bank Boosts MSME Export Ecosystem at NAHCO/NACCIMA Programme

Polaris Bank Boosts MSME Export Ecosystem at NAHCO/NACCIMA Programme

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme, themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities.”

The one-day programme brought together regulators, exporters, industry stakeholders and trade bodies to explore practical solutions to trade barriers, improve access to finance and support a more diversified and resilient Nigerian economy.

The event also witnessed the formal launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs, aimed at providing exporters with structured access to trade facilitation services, logistics support, regulatory guidance and financial solutions across the export value chain.

Speaking at the programme, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Chris Ofikulu, stressed the importance of export diversification to Nigeria’s economic stability, noting that SMEs play a critical role in driving non-oil exports, particularly in agro-exports and commodity trade.

According to him, reducing the country’s reliance on oil revenue requires coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to strengthen non-oil export capacity.

“Expanding non-oil exports is a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive and competitive Nigerian economy. SMEs, especially in agro-exports and commodities, hold the key to unlocking our comparative advantage. Polaris Bank remains committed to providing the finance, advisory support and partnerships needed to help them scale and compete globally,” Ofikulu said.

Discussions at the programme focused on key challenges facing exporters, including infrastructure deficits, 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 address trade and payment bottlenecks that affect exporter competitiveness and cash flow. He noted that the bank is focused on building confidence and certainty in the export process through practical financial and advisory support.

“Exports cannot thrive if finance and payments remain obstacles. Our focus is on removing friction from international trade by ensuring SMEs get paid faster and more securely through efficient trade finance solutions, reliable cross-border payments and hands-on guidance on documentation, foreign exchange and compliance,” Arinola said.

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 resolution of export-related enquiries and offer personalised advisory services on FX documentation and regulatory compliance.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NAHCO, NACCIMA and other stakeholders to strengthen exporter capacity, promote value addition in agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.

Polaris Bank said it remains positioned as a trusted partner to SME exporters as Nigeria pursues its economic diversification agenda, offering the finance, expertise and institutional support required for long-term growth and national economic resilience.