Naija Blog reports that Polaris Bank has hosted corporate customers in the non-oil sector at its Global Trade Forum, a high-level event designed to foster stronger trade relationships, tackle export challenges, and explore innovative growth solutions.

The forum, themed “Trade Export: Partnering for Growth”, held on Tuesday, September 18, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s trade and export ecosystem, including business leaders, exporters, regulators, and policymakers.

Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, emphasized the central role of trade in driving sustainable economic growth. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower Nigerian businesses to compete effectively in international markets.

“The purpose of this gathering is to address the real issues our customers face in trade and export while identifying opportunities where Polaris Bank can provide practical, innovative solutions,” Lawal stated.

Also in attendance was Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aondona Fanyama, who led a three-man delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). He highlighted the role of the Nigeria Trade Portal B’odogwu, demonstrating how it enhances transparency, speed, and efficiency in cross-border trade. Fanyama also pledged to resolve on-the-spot challenges raised by two participants at the forum, showcasing the importance of such engagements in solving real-time business issues.

The event featured interactive sessions on trade finance, export readiness, compliance, market access, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating cross-border transactions. It also offered participants direct engagement with financial experts, policymakers, Customs officials, and industry leaders—opening doors for collaboration and sustainable growth.

Polaris Bank’s executive management, including Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu (Retail, Commercial Banking) and Abimbola Ozomah (Corporate & Investment Banking), alongside other senior leaders, were fully represented at the forum.

Through this initiative, Polaris Bank once again positioned itself as a forward-looking lender committed to economic development, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for trade expansion and customer empowerment in Nigeria’s global market participation.