Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification drive by strengthening the capacity of exporters through the 19th edition of its Export Management Programme (EMP 19), held recently at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Ajah, Lagos.
The programme, a collaboration between Fidelity Bank, Lagos Business School, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), brought together entrepreneurs, regulators, professionals, and aspiring exporters for intensive training aimed at enhancing their ability to compete in regional and global markets.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture, Isaiah Ndukwe, said the initiative underscores the bank’s dedication to equipping Nigerian businesses with the tools needed to take advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, capacity building remains a critical factor in unlocking the country’s export potential and expanding its non-oil export base.
“At Fidelity Bank, we recognize that capacity building is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential. Through the Export Management Programme, we are equipping businesses with practical knowledge, market intelligence, and strategic insights required to compete successfully in regional and global markets,” Ndukwe said.
He noted that the AfCFTA agreement has created significant opportunities for trade across Africa and stressed the need for Nigerian exporters to be adequately prepared to benefit from the emerging market.
Ndukwe also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting exporters through tailored financial solutions, advisory services, and strategic partnerships designed to facilitate business expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Also speaking, the Director of the Export Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Professor Frank Ojadi, highlighted the importance of continuous skills development in the rapidly evolving global trade environment.
“The export market is always evolving. There are changes in policies, improvements in processes, and increasing interest from businesses. These developments make it necessary to build the capabilities of our people to compete effectively in export markets,” Ojadi said.
He explained that this year’s edition placed particular emphasis on AfCFTA, providing participants with practical insights into leveraging the continental trade agreement to grow their businesses across African markets.
Senior Fellow and Head of the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at Lagos Business School, Dr. Uche Attoh, emphasized the significance of negotiation and arbitration skills in international trade.
According to him, successful business transactions depend on effective negotiation, while arbitration remains a vital mechanism for resolving disputes that may arise in cross-border commerce.
Participants described the programme as highly impactful. Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Obinna Oforum, said the training strengthened his determination to become an “export champion,” while Chief Superintendent of Customs, Orji Samuel, commended Fidelity Bank and Lagos Business School for making the programme accessible and practical.
Samuel noted that the knowledge acquired would help participants overcome export-related challenges and unlock new opportunities in international markets.
The Export Management Programme is Fidelity Bank’s flagship capacity-building initiative designed to develop export-ready businesses and professionals capable of driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth. Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, the bank continues to support trade facilitation and sustainable economic development.
Fidelity Bank serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions for its contributions to export finance, SME development, innovation, and community empowerment.
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