Polaris Bank Limited has donated equipment including laptops, a fully equipped workstation, internet-enabled modem, and a high-capacity printer for the takeoff of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Export Express Support Centre.
The presentation and handing over ceremony of the equipment by the Bank held on Friday at NACCIMA’s national headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Bank’s Executive Director in charge of Retail and Commercial Banking, Chris Ofikulu described the establishment of the Support Centre as strategic and transformational noting that the facility will create the needed platform for information, advisory and enterprise to unlock export potentials.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability of Nigerian businesses to access and compete in international markets is no longer optional; it is imperative for sustainable economic growth and national prosperity. This is why the establishment of the NACCIMA Export Support Centre is both strategic and transformational. It creates a platform where information, advisory, and enterprise support converge to unlock export potentials,” the Executive Director said.
Ofikulu explained that the Bank’s donation gesture will serve exporters across the country whose need for relevant information and knowledge was long overdue.
“Our donation of laptops, a fully equipped workstation, internet-enabled modem, and a high-capacity printer is a deliberate contribution towards building this critical infrastructure that will serve exporters across the country. My personal attendance at this auspicious occasion is to underscore the importance of this partnership intervention.
“At Polaris Bank, we go beyond conventional financing to provide exporters with a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for global trade. For NACCIMA member companies, particularly those in the non-oil export segment, we offer stock refinancing and working capital support for the procurement of raw materials, alongside expert advisory on regulatory processes such as NXP documentations.
“Through our award-winning digital platform, VULTe, we further enable seamless intra-African Trade powered by the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) – allowing exporters to receive payments in local currencies with faster, more efficient repatriation of proceeds across the continent.
Being recognized as one of Nigeria’s most supportive SME-focused banks is a responsibility we embrace with renewed commitment to continuously innovate and deliver value-adds to our customers. We believe that initiatives like the Export Support Centre will serve as catalysts—bridging knowledge gaps, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning Nigerian businesses for success in the global market-place.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim recalled the Association’s long standing business relationship with Polaris Bank saying the donation will further deepen affiliation and support for Nigerian businesses.
“NACCIMA is especially grateful to Polaris Bank for the encouragement and donation having functioned as one of our bankers for a long time. What we are doing here today marks more than just a ceremonial handover but the birth of a centre where sound policies, guidance, tools and practical support systems that empower businesses will be domiciled. Export is the key diversification and we are committed to maximise this important gesture by Polaris Bank to deliver tangible value to Nigerian businesses.”
Chairman of the Export Group of NACCIMA, Barrister Kola Awe while speaking on the importance of the Support Centre said it will help demystify export processes by providing relevant information, remove barriers faced by average Nigerian exporter, provide physical interaction and intervention where necessary for exporters. He therefore appreciated Polaris Bank for bringing life to the Centre with the donation.
Representatives of other important industry stakeholders including Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) all took turns to shower encomiums on the Bank for the donation.