Polaris Bank Ltd and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have inaugurated an Export Express Support Centre aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and providing practical support for exporters, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The stakeholders at the launch event stressed that stronger partnerships among financial institutions, trade groups and government agencies were essential to driving sustainable export growth and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
Speaking at the inauguration, NACCIMA National President, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, described the initiative as a major step toward unlocking Nigeria’s export potential, noting that the centre would serve as a one-stop hub for exporters seeking guidance, technical support and access to markets.
According to him, the facility would help businesses navigate export documentation, meet international standards and connect with regional and global markets.
He said strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem required sound policies and functional support systems that would enable businesses to compete effectively.
Ibrahim commended Polaris Bank for donating critical equipment to support the smooth take-off of the centre, describing the gesture as an investment in enterprise growth, job creation and economic resilience.
“This represents more than a ceremonial handover. It reflects a shared commitment to building systems that support sustainable export development,” he said.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Polaris Bank Ltd, Mr. Chris Ofikulu, said the initiative underscored the importance of collaboration in enhancing Nigeria’s participation in global trade.
He disclosed that the bank donated laptops, a workstation, an internet-enabled modem and a high-capacity printer to improve the centre’s operations.
Ofikulu said the intervention followed the bank’s Export Readiness Workshop for entrepreneurs and was designed to close knowledge gaps and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exporters.
He noted that Nigerian exporters required better access to information, finance, partnerships and markets to succeed internationally.
According to him, the bank also provides stock refinancing, working capital and advisory services, including guidance on regulatory processes such as Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) documentation.
He further highlighted the bank’s digital platform, VULTe, which supports intra-African trade through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.
The platform, he explained, enables exporters to receive payments in local currencies and ensures faster repatriation of export proceeds across Africa.
Ofikulu called for stronger policy innovations and support systems, including export education, to improve Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
He proposed the introduction of export studies in tertiary institutions to build capacity for small-scale export companies and prepare future entrepreneurs for global trade.
In his remarks, the South-West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Benedict Itegbe, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting export infrastructure and strengthening private sector partnerships.
He said Nigeria must improve its capacity to compete effectively in international trade and disclosed that NEPC was working with private sector organisations to develop export clusters and centres of excellence for small businesses.
According to him, Nigeria has over 10,000 registered exporters, but only about 1,000 are currently active, with most of them being SMEs.
He added that the council had developed a digital framework to reintegrate inactive exporters and expand participation in non-oil trade.
Itegbe also stressed the need to increase the participation of women and youth in export activities as part of efforts to drive inclusive economic growth.
Earlier, Chairman of the NACCIMA Export Group, Mr. Kola Awe, said the centre was established to address major barriers facing exporters, including complex regulations and poor access to information.
He noted that despite over 10,000 registered exporters, fewer than 1,000 remained active, underscoring the urgent need for practical intervention.
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Awe said the centre would provide free access to knowledge, training, innovation and hands-on support to help businesses navigate export procedures and meet international standards.
He added that the platform would also offer intervention-based assistance by engaging relevant agencies to resolve issues related to logistics, procurement, compliance and market access.
According to him, the centre would generate valuable data to guide government policies and improve efficiency in Nigeria’s export ecosystem.
He further revealed plans to digitise the centre’s services to expand access and accelerate economic growth through increased non-oil exports.
