By HeapNews
In a move to bolster Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, Fidelity Bank Plc has concluded the 18th edition of its Export Management Programme (EMP 18), an initiative aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to explore international markets.
Held in partnership with the Lagos Business School (LBS), the five-day intensive training in Lagos attracted high-calibre participants and saw a 150% oversubscription, underscoring growing interest in global trade opportunities.
“At Fidelity Bank, our strategy to enhance non-oil exports is guided by the significant opportunities it offers to our customers and the national economy. This is why we offer a comprehensive suite of financial, advisory, and market-access solutions for businesses aiming to engage in international trade,” said Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank.
According to Ndukwe, the EMP initiative, launched in 2016, has trained over 1,600 entrepreneurs, positioning them for success in the export sector.
The training covered critical areas such as export finance instruments, documentation, and market accessibility. A key highlight was a facility tour of an Export Processing Terminal (EPT) in Ikorodu, Lagos, where participants gained first-hand insights into export regulations under the supervision of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officials.
Patrick Ulayi Awu-Patricks, Managing Director/CEO of Alliance & Frontier Limited and one of the program participants, praised the initiative. “There are lots of non-oil export opportunities, and entrepreneurs must be able to identify and capitalize on these to effectively play in the international trade space. This course has given me insights into the power of data, which is essential for strategic decision-making,” he said.
Fidelity Bank, ranked among Nigeria’s top financial institutions, has won multiple awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Awards and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.
With a growing focus on non-oil exports, the bank continues to position itself as a leading facilitator in Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.