Polaris Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial banks, has reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic growth and strengthening trade relationships through its recently hosted Global Trade Forum in Lagos.
The high-profile event, themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth”, convened corporate customers in the non-oil sector, exporters, business leaders, regulators, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across the trade ecosystem. The forum served as a platform to address pressing trade-related challenges, foster collaboration, and explore innovative pathways to unlock growth opportunities in Nigeria’s global trade landscape.
In his keynote address, Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, emphasized the critical role of trade as a catalyst for national development. He noted that the forum was conceived to provide real solutions to the challenges faced by businesses engaged in trade and export.
“Polaris Bank is more than a financial institution. We see ourselves as trusted partners in progress, dedicated to empowering Nigerian businesses with the tools, advisory support, and financial solutions needed to compete globally. This forum reinforces our commitment to driving long-term value creation for our customers,” Lawal said.
A major highlight of the event was the participation of the Nigerian Customs Service, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation. Fanyama delivered a practical demonstration of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu, showcasing how the platform enhances transparency, simplifies processes, and improves efficiency for importers and exporters.
In a clear demonstration of collaboration, ACC Fanyama resolved on-the-spot challenges raised by two forum participants who had encountered difficulties with the portal, underscoring the importance of engagements that bridge the gap between regulators and businesses.
The event, hosted at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, featured robust panel discussions on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the growing role of digital platforms in cross-border trade. Participants had direct access to Customs officials, financial experts, and policymakers, creating opportunities for deeper partnerships and shared growth.
Polaris Bank’s top executives, including Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu (Retail, Commercial) and Abimbola Ozomah (Corporate & Investment Banking), joined strategic business leaders from the Bank’s Treasury, Global Trade, and Business Divisions to engage with stakeholders and reaffirm the Bank’s vision of enabling customer success in international trade.
By convening the Global Trade Forum, Polaris Bank has once again positioned itself as a catalyst for trade expansion, customer empowerment, and sustainable economic development. The forum not only showcased the Bank’s commitment to supporting non-oil sector growth but also reinforced Nigeria’s readiness to deepen its participation in the competitive global economy.
Polaris Bank hosts Global Trade Forum in Lagos, uniting exporters, business leaders, and regulators to strengthen trade partnerships, resolve challenges, and drive Nigeria’s growth in global markets.
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