Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector by collaborating with key stakeholders at the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme, aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in agro-exports and commodities.

The one-day programme, themed “Breaking Barriers: Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities,” convened regulators, exporters, logistics providers, and trade associations to discuss practical solutions for easing export processes, improving access to finance, and addressing systemic bottlenecks in the Nigerian export ecosystem.

The event also featured the official launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre, both designed to serve as dedicated hubs offering logistics solutions, regulatory guidance, trade facilitation, and financial support for MSMEs across the export value chain.

Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, emphasized the importance of SMEs in national economic diversification:
“Expanding non-oil exports is critical for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. SMEs are key players in this transition, and Polaris Bank is committed to providing the finance, advisory services, and partnerships needed for them to grow sustainably and compete globally.”

Discussions highlighted persistent challenges affecting exporters, including port inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, logistics constraints, compliance requirements, and inconsistent policies. Participants called for closer collaboration among stakeholders to streamline processes and improve access to international markets.

Olaleye Arinola, Polaris Bank’s Team Lead for Trade Services, stressed the importance of trade finance solutions:
“Export growth is impossible if payment and finance challenges persist. Our goal is to remove barriers for MSMEs through secure cross-border payment solutions, efficient trade finance, and practical support with documentation and compliance.”

Polaris Bank also introduced a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members to provide guidance on trade finance, payments, and regulatory requirements. The bank’s ongoing efforts aim to strengthen capacity building, value addition, and sustainable growth for Nigerian MSMEs, helping them tap into regional and global markets and contributing to a more diversified and resilient economy.