Polaris Bank Backs NACCIMA Export Call Centre To Boost Non-Oil Trade
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes, Lagos
Polaris Bank has supported the launch of an export support call centre by Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity and improving access to international markets for local businesses.
The newly unveiled NACCIMA Export Support Call Centre is designed to provide exporters with real-time information, technical assistance, and regulatory guidance, addressing persistent bottlenecks that have limited the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in global trade.
Speaking at the launch, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Chris Ofikulu, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with the bank’s broader goal of enabling Nigerian enterprises to scale beyond domestic markets.
He noted that the centre would serve as a knowledge hub for exporters, offering advisory services and expert insights to help businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border trade.
“This collaboration equips exporters with the tools, infrastructure, and expertise needed to thrive in global markets,” Ofikulu said, adding that the initiative represents a critical step in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
As part of its contribution, Polaris Bank provided operational infrastructure for the centre, including laptops, internet-enabled devices, workstations, and high-capacity printers, to ensure efficient service delivery.
The bank said the partnership also complements its suite of export-focused financial solutions, which include working capital financing, stock refinancing, and advisory support on export documentation such as the Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) form.
In addition, Polaris Bank leverages its digital banking platform, VULTe, to facilitate intra-African trade payments through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, enabling faster cross-border transactions within the continent.
Industry stakeholders view the call centre as a timely intervention, particularly as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy away from oil by scaling non-oil exports and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The collaboration underscores Polaris Bank’s continued push to deepen trade facilitation, expand access to finance, and build capacity within Nigeria’s export ecosystem.
