Polaris Bank, a leading digital retail and commercial bank in Nigeria, hosted its Global Trade Forum on Tuesday, bringing together corporate clients in the non-oil sector. The event, themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth,” aimed to strengthen stakeholder relationships, tackle trade challenges, and explore innovative solutions to boost business growth.
The forum convened key figures in Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem, including business leaders, exporters, regulators, Nigerian Customs officials, and policy influencers, for in-depth discussions on global trade opportunities and challenges. Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, emphasized trade’s critical role in driving sustainable economic growth and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to providing tailored solutions to help Nigerian businesses excel in international markets.
He highlighted Polaris Bank’s role not just as a financial institution but as a trusted partner dedicated to fostering progress and long-term value creation.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, representing the Nigerian Customs Service, spoke on the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu, demonstrating its functionality.
He explained how the portal streamlines trade processes, improving transparency, speed, and efficiency for exporters and importers. Fanyama also committed to resolving issues faced by two participants with the portal, underscoring the forum’s value in addressing real-time business challenges.
Held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the event facilitated meaningful discussions on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the role of digital platforms in cross-border trade. It provided a platform for participants to engage directly with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and sustainable growth.
Polaris Bank’s executive management, including Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu (Retail, Commercial) and Abimbola Ozomah (Corporate & Investment Banking), alongside strategic business leaders from Treasury, Global Trade, and other divisions, were fully represented. Through the forum, Polaris Bank reinforced its position as a forward-thinking lender dedicated to supporting businesses, driving economic development, and enhancing Nigeria’s role in global markets.
The event solidified the bank’s commitment to empowering clients with the financial products, advisory support, and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s competitive global economy.