Polaris Bank’s Global Trade Forum united exporters, Customs, and policymakers to boost Nigeria’s non-oil trade growth and export readiness
Bringing together a cross-section of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, the first edition of Polaris Bank’s Global Trade Forum launched in Lagos as part of the bank’s ambitious drive to boost export growth and strengthen economic resilience.
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Held under the theme “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth”, the event convened exporters, business leaders, policymakers, and Nigerian Customs officials to explore sustainable solutions to the country’s non-oil trade challenges.
The forum, which took place at the Lagos Continental Hotel, focused on building capacity, improving collaboration, and enhancing Nigeria’s global trade footprint.
Speaking at the event, Kayode Lawal, CEO of Polaris Bank, stressed the importance of export trade in Nigeria’s long-term economic strategy.
“Our goal is to address real-world trade issues and identify practical, innovative ways to support growth,” Lawal said. “We see ourselves not just as a financial institution but as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s progress.”
He added that Polaris Bank’s Global Trade Forum forms part of the bank’s commitment to delivering **tailored trade finance solutions to help Nigerian exporters scale their operations internationally.
A key highlight was the presence of Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who demonstrated the capabilities of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu.
The portal, he said, was designed to ease cross-border trade by improving transparency, digital documentation, and process efficiency.
Fanyama also gave assurance that the Nigerian Customs Service would provide prompt assistance to businesses facing platform-related bottlenecks—a gesture praised by attendees as a step toward more collaborative trade facilitation.
Throughout the Polaris Bank’s Global Trade Forum, participants engaged in dynamic discussions around export readiness, compliance, digital trade tools, and market access.
Panels featured leading voices in finance, logistics, Customs administration, and export policy, providing attendees with direct access to problem-solvers and potential partners.
The bank’s executive leadership team—including Directors for Retail, Commercial, and Corporate & Investment Banking—were on hand, alongside Treasury and Global Trade heads, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s commitment to trade development.
With this inaugural forum, Polaris Bank has positioned itself as more than just a service provider, but a forward-thinking partner in Nigeria’s journey to global competitiveness in non-oil trade.
The initiative was praised by participants for creating a collaborative, solutions-driven environment, bridging the gap between regulators and the real business community.
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As the country looks to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependency, platforms like the Polaris Bank’s Global Trade Forum may become crucial drivers of long-term growth and export success.
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