By JKNewsMedia
COMMITMENT TO strengthening Nigerian businesses for global competitiveness was restated by Fidelity Bank Plc at the 2025 Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC), which took place over the weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reflecting on the initiative’s journey since inception, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described FNITCC as a strategic platform that underscores the bank’s vision of empowering homegrown businesses to scale up and compete effectively in international markets.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe recalled that the programme began by equipping Nigerian exporters with fundamental knowledge through capacity-building sessions delivered in partnership with the Lagos Business School.
She noted that the bank had focused on teaching small businesses the basics of export trade, and once they were prepared, created FNITCC as a platform to showcase them to the global market.
She said, “FNITCC is a vision that has come a long way. We began by equipping Nigerian exporters with foundational knowledge through capacity-building programmes in partnership with the Lagos Business School.
From ground zero, we taught small businesses the fundamentals of export. Once they were ready, we created this platform to showcase them to the world.
Our goal has always been to help shift Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified, non-oil-driven one – and exports are key to that transformation.”
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe stressed the value of FNITCC in facilitating direct connections between buyers and sellers, which, according to her, builds trust and confidence through face-to-face engagements.
She added, “At this event, we have a wide range of buyers—from major retailers to small-scale distributors.
“Fidelity Bank has emerged as the leading bank in non-oil exports from the agricultural sector.”
She also encouraged participants to attend sideline sessions where Nigerian and U.S. regulatory agencies provided insights on compliance standards and export processes.
Mayor of Atlanta, Mr. Andre Dickens, who formally welcomed FNITCC to the city, spoke about the deep-rooted ties between Atlanta and Africa.
He explained that the conference provided an opportunity for leaders from both regions to strengthen collaboration.
“This conference presents a unique opportunity for thought leaders from Atlanta and Africa to collaborate. Our shared legacies—from civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela to our mutual strengths in logistics, finance, technology, and the creative industries – form a strong foundation for trade and investment. We are not just networking; we are building lasting networks,” Mayor Dickens said.
The 2025 edition of FNITCC Atlanta featured exhibitions, panel discussions, deal rooms, and a gala dinner, all designed to highlight Nigeria’s non-oil export potential and explore avenues for expansion into the American market.
A delegation from Lagos State also took part in the conference and paid a visit to the Georgia State Capitol as part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade. Speaking at the engagement, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared that Lagos was open for business and investment.
He emphasised the state’s readiness to build sustainable partnerships and proposed a sister-city arrangement between Lagos and Atlanta to strengthen long-term ties.
