Polaris Bank, a leading force in Nigeria’s digital retail and commercial banking space, has launched its first-ever Global Trade Forum, bringing together major players in the country’s non-oil export sector. The gathering was designed to strengthen partnerships, tackle persistent trade challenges, and highlight innovative pathways for business growth.
Themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth,” the forum attracted exporters, business leaders, regulators, Nigerian Customs officials, and policy experts for conversations on how to unlock fresh opportunities in the nation’s trade ecosystem.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, underscored the importance of trade in driving sustainable economic progress. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that help Nigerian businesses succeed globally. “Our mission is to provide practical answers to today’s trade challenges while positioning as more than a bank—an ally in the country’s advancement,” he noted.
A key session featured Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who presented the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu. He demonstrated how the platform simplifies cross-border transactions by improving transparency and efficiency, while also assuring participants of dedicated support in resolving portal-related concerns.
Hosted at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the forum covered critical areas such as trade finance, export preparedness, compliance, market access, and digital trade facilitation. Attendees benefited from direct engagement with policymakers, Customs representatives, financial experts, and business leaders—opening doors to collaboration and sustainable trade expansion.
Polaris Bank’s leadership team, including its Retail, Commercial, and Corporate & Investment Banking directors, alongside experts from its Treasury and Global Trade divisions, reaffirmed the institution’s focus on championing Nigeria’s trade objectives.
With this initiative, Polaris Bank reinforces its position as a progressive partner dedicated to empowering businesses, accelerating economic growth, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.