By DAYO ADESULU
Polaris Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial banks, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trade and export opportunities by hosting its Global Trade Forum in Lagos. The high-level event brought together stakeholders in the non-oil sector to explore ways of deepening trade relationships, tackling challenges, and unlocking growth opportunities.
Themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth,” the forum convened top business leaders, exporters, regulators, the Nigerian Customs Service, and policymakers to discuss Nigeria’s role in the global trading ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, emphasized trade as a vital driver of sustainable economic growth. He noted that the forum was created to address pressing issues businesses face in export and to identify innovative solutions the Bank can offer to help customers thrive in international markets.
> “Polaris Bank is not just a financial institution. We see ourselves as partners in progress, delivering tailored solutions that enable Nigerian businesses to compete globally while driving long-term value creation,” Lawal said.
A major highlight of the event was a presentation by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation from the Nigerian Customs Service. He demonstrated the use of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu, showing how it streamlines trade processes for exporters and importers, ensuring greater transparency, speed, and efficiency.
Fanyama also addressed real-time challenges raised by two participants and pledged prompt resolution, reinforcing the importance of stakeholder forums in bridging gaps between regulators and businesses.
The well-attended event, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, featured insightful sessions on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the growing role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border trade. Participants engaged directly with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders.
Polaris Bank’s executive management team was fully represented, including Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu (Retail, Commercial Banking) and Abimbola Ozomah (Corporate & Investment Banking), alongside senior leaders across Treasury, Global Trade, and Business Divisions.
By convening the Global Trade Forum, Polaris Bank has once again demonstrated its role as a forward-looking financial partner dedicated to supporting businesses, fostering economic growth, and boosting Nigeria’s participation in global markets.
