Corporate customers of Polaris Bank in the non-oil export sector recently had the opportunity to share with the bank some real issues they encounter in trade and export.
They were given the platform to pour out their mind of the challenges they face when trying to sell their products outside the country.
This avenue was made possible by the lender through its Global Trade Forum themed Trade Export: Partnering for Growth. The event brought together key players in Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem, including business leaders, exporters, regulators, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and policy influencers.
Participants also engaged in robust discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global trading landscape.
The summit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border transactions.
It also offered participants the opportunity to interact directly with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders – opening doors for collaboration and sustainable growth.
The chief executive of Polaris Bank, Mr Kayode Lawal, underscored the central role of trade as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions that empower Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets.
According to him, the purpose of the gathering was to address the real issues customers encounter in trade and export while identifying opportunities where Polaris Bank can provide practical, innovative solutions to support growth, stressing that Polaris Bank sees itself not only as a financial institution but also as a trusted partner in progress and a driver of long-term value creation.
Also addressing the audience was an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr Aondona Fanyama, who spoke extensively on the workings of the Nigeria Trade Portal, B’odogwu, and gave a practical demonstration of its application.
Mr Fanyama highlighted how the portal simplifies trade processes for exporters and importers, enhancing transparency, speed, and efficiency in cross-border trade.
In a show of collaboration, he also pledged swift resolution to two participants at the forum who had been facing challenges with processing via the portal: thereby reinforcing the importance of such engagements in resolving real-time business concerns.