<h4>Polaris Bank Strengthens MSMEs Export Ecosystem</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p><strong><a href="https://openlife.ng/">OpenLife Nigeria</a></strong> reports that Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export ecosystem and empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the NAHCO and NACCIMA Export Group Programme themed- <strong>Breaking Barriers:</strong> <strong>Helping SMEs Navigate Export Procedures for Agro Products and Other Commodities.</strong></p>
<p>The one-day engagement brought together regulators, industry stakeholders, exporters and trade bodies to advance practical solutions for easing trade barriers, improving access to finance and building a more resilient and diversified Nigerian economy.</p>
<p>The programme also marked the formal introduction and launch of the NACCIMA Export Group and the NAHCO Export Support Centre for MSMEs in Nigeria, creating a structured platform for exporters to access trade facilitation services, logistics support, regulatory guidance and financial solutions across the export value chain.</p>
<p>Speaking at the programme, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, underscored the national importance of export diversification and the central role of SMEs in building a resilient economy.</p>
<p>He noted 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.</p>
<p>“<em><strong>Expanding non-oil exports is not optional; it is a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive and competitive Nigerian economy. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>&#8220;SMEs, particularly in agro-exports and commodity trade, hold the key to unlocking our true comparative advantage. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>&#8220;Polaris Bank remains committed to providing the finance, advisory support and partnerships required to help them scale confidently and compete globally,”</strong></em> Ofikulu said.</p>
<p>The engagement also focused on addressing structural challenges confronting exporters, including infrastructure gaps, port inefficiencies, logistics constraints, standards and certification requirements, and policy consistency.</p>
<p>Participants emphasized the need for stronger public-private collaboration among government agencies, trade bodies, financial institutions and logistics partners to simplify export procedures and improve market access for Nigerian SMEs.</p>
<p>Also addressing stakeholders, Olaleye Arinola, Team Lead, Trade Services, Polaris Bank, highlighted the importance of removing trade and payment bottlenecks that limit exporter competitiveness and cash flow.</p>
<p>He emphasized the Bank’s focus on building confidence and certainty into the export process through practical financial and advisory support.</p>
<p>“<em><strong>Exports cannot grow if finance and payments remain obstacles. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>&#8220;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,”</strong></em> Arinola said.</p>
<p>As part of its partnership with the business and trade community, Polaris Bank unveiled a Dedicated Help Desk for NACCIMA members, designed to provide direct access to trade finance and payment support, fast-track resolution of export-related enquiries, and personalized advisory services on FX documentation and regulatory compliance.</p>
<p>Polaris Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NAHCO, NACCIMA and other stakeholders to strengthen exporter capacity, promote value addition across agro-exports and commodities, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for Nigerian businesses in regional and global markets.</p>
<p>As Nigeria advances its economic diversification agenda, Polaris Bank remains positioned as a trusted partner for SME exporters, providing the finance, knowledge and institutional support required to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development and long-term economic resilience.</p>

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