By JKNewsMedia
CORPORATE CUSTOMERS in Nigeria’s non-oil sector gathered in Lagos on Tuesday at the Global Trade Forum organised by Polaris Bank to strengthen stakeholder relationships, address trade-related challenges, and explore solutions for business growth.
The event, themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth”, drew business leaders, exporters, regulators, Nigerian Customs officials, and policy influencers for discussions on opportunities and hurdles shaping the global trade landscape.
Polaris Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, said trade serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to providing tailored solutions that empower Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets.
According to Lawal, the gathering was designed to address real issues faced by customers in trade and export while identifying opportunities where Polaris Bank could provide practical, innovative solutions to support their growth.
He stressed that the Bank positions itself not only as a financial institution but also as a trusted partner in progress and a driver of long-term value creation.
The Nigerian Customs Service was represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation.
Fanyama gave a practical demonstration of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu, explaining how it simplifies processes for exporters and importers while enhancing transparency, speed, and efficiency in cross-border trade.
He pledged swift resolution to challenges raised by two participants experiencing difficulties with portal transactions, underscoring the value of such engagements in resolving real-time business concerns.
The forum, held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, provided a platform for dialogue on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border transactions.
It also gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders.
Polaris Bank’s executive management team it was fully represented, including Executive Directors for Retail, Commercial and Corporate & Investment Banking, Chris Ofikulu and Abimbola Ozomah, alongside strategic business leaders from Treasury, Global Trade, and other directorates.
