Polaris Bank, NACCIMA inaugurates export support center to relaunch

Polaris Bank Ltd and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) inaugurated an Express Export Support Center at the weekend.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the center is located at the NACCIMA Secretariat in Ikeja.

It is designed to provide practical support to exporters, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Stakeholders at the event highlighted that partnerships between financial institutions, trade groups and government agencies are key to sustainable export growth.

Speaking at the event, National President of NACCIMA, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, said the initiative marks a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s export potential.

Ibrahim said the center will serve as a one-stop hub offering guidance, tools and technical support to exporters.

According to him, the framework will help companies navigate documentation, meet standards and access regional and global markets.

He said strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem requires robust policies and functional support systems that enable businesses to compete effectively.

He praised Polaris Bank for donating equipment to support the center’s takeoff.

He described the contribution as an investment in business growth, job creation and economic resilience.

“This represents more than just a handover. It reflects a shared commitment to building systems that support the sustainable development of exports,” he said.

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Also speaking, Polaris Bank Ltd Executive Director Chris Ofikulu said the initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in promoting participation in global trade.

Ofikulu said the bank donated laptops, a workstation, an Internet-enabled modem and a high-capacity printer to improve the centre’s operations.

He said the speech followed the bank’s export readiness seminar for entrepreneurs.

According to him, Nigerian exporters need better access to information, markets, finance and partnerships to succeed globally.

He said the center would address knowledge gaps, improve competitiveness and position Nigerian businesses for success in international markets.

Ofikulu said the bank provided equity refinancing, working capital and consultancy services, including guidance on regulatory processes such as NXP documentation.

He also highlighted the bank’s digital platform, VULTe, which facilitates intra-African trade through the pan-African payment and settlement system.

According to him, the platform allows exporters to receive payments in local currencies and ensures faster repatriation of export earnings across Africa.

Ofikulu called for stronger support systems and policy innovations, including export education, to improve Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

He proposed the inclusion of export studies in the curricula of tertiary institutions to build capacity for small-scale export companies.

In his remarks, Benedict Itegbe, South West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting export infrastructure and partnerships.

He said Nigeria must strengthen its capacity to compete effectively in global trade.

According to him, the NEPC is working with private sector organizations to develop export clusters and centers of excellence for small businesses.

Itegbe said Nigeria has over 10,000 registered exporters, of which about 1,000 are currently active, most of whom are SMEs.

He said the council has developed a digital framework to replenish inactive exporters and expand participation in non-oil trade.

He underlined the need to increase the participation of women and youth in export activities to promote inclusive growth.

Previously, NACCIMA Export Group president Kola Awe said the center aimed to address obstacles such as complex regulations and poor access to information.

Awe said fewer than 1,000 exporters are active despite more than 10,000 registered traders.

He said the center will encourage non-oil exports and support MSMEs facing challenges in the export sector.

He said the initiative would provide free access to knowledge, training, innovation and practical support.

According to him, the platform will help companies navigate export procedures and meet international standards.

He said the center will also offer intervention-based assistance by engaging relevant agencies to resolve challenges in logistics, procurement, compliance and market access.

Awe added that the platform will generate data to guide government policies and improve efficiency in the export ecosystem.

He said the center plans to digitize its services to expand access and support economic growth through increasing non-oil exports.

(NAN)

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