Polaris Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial banks, on Tuesday convened top players in the non, oil export sector at its Global Trade Forum a strategic platform designed to deepen trade relationships, tackle export challenges, and unlock opportunities for sustainable business growth.
Trade Export: Partnering for Growth
Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the high-level gathering brought together exporters, regulators, Nigerian Customs officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in robust discussions on the evolving dynamics of global trade.
In his keynote address, Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, emphasized the critical role of trade in driving sustainable economic growth. He noted that Polaris Bank is not just a financial institution but “a trusted partner in progress”, dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enable Nigerian businesses to compete effectively on the global stage.
“Our goal is to help businesses overcome real challenges in trade and export while offering tailored solutions that open new frontiers for growth,” Lawal stated.
Customs Demonstrates Nigeria Trade Portal
A highlight of the event was a practical demonstration of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation. He explained how the portal simplifies export and import processes, improving transparency, speed, and efficiency.
In a gesture that underscored the value of the forum, ACC Fanyama pledged immediate resolution of two participants’ trade-processing issues via the portal, showcasing how collaborative engagements can produce real-time solutions for exporters.
Driving Dialogue, Building Partnerships
The forum featured insightful conversations on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and digital platforms as enablers of cross-border trade. Participants also benefited from direct interactions with financial experts, customs officials, and policymakers, creating new avenues for collaboration and long-term growth.
Polaris Bank’s top executives, including Chris Ofikulu (Executive Director, Retail & Commercial Banking) and Abimbola Ozomah (Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking), joined other senior leaders from Treasury, Global Trade, and Business Divisions, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic development through trade.
Polaris Bank: A Catalyst for Export Expansion
By hosting the Global Trade Forum, Polaris Bank reinforced its role as a forward-looking lender committed to strengthening Nigeria’s footprint in global markets. The Bank continues to position itself as a catalyst for export expansion, offering clients financial products, advisory services, and the strategic support needed to thrive in today’s highly competitive economy.