Nigeria: Naccima's Export Support Call Centre to Boost Non-Oil Exporters' Global Access

Why It Matters

By strengthening non‑oil export capabilities, the call centre can improve Nigeria’s trade balance and enhance SME competitiveness in global markets. The partnership demonstrates how financial institutions can catalyze economic diversification.

Key Takeaways

• NACCIMA partners with Polaris Bank to launch export support call centre.
• Centre targets non‑oil exporters, offering real‑time market data and advisory.
• Polaris Bank supplies laptops, workstations, internet modems, and printers.
• Service aims to reduce trade barriers for SMEs entering global markets.
• Call centre expected to boost Nigeria’s non‑oil export diversification.

Pulse Analysis

Nigeria’s economy has long been tethered to oil revenues, leaving the non‑oil sector under‑leveraged despite its potential to generate jobs and foreign exchange. Recent policy shifts encourage diversification, but many small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) lack the expertise and market insights needed to compete abroad. Industry bodies such as NACCIMA play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, and their collaboration with financial institutions signals a broader move toward public‑private partnerships that can deliver targeted support services.

The Export Support Call Centre, backed by Polaris Bank’s technology donation, offers a one‑stop platform for exporters seeking up‑to‑date trade data, tariff classifications, and compliance guidance. By providing real‑time information and on‑demand advisory, the centre mitigates common pain points like opaque customs procedures and fluctuating foreign demand. The inclusion of robust hardware—laptops, high‑capacity printers, and reliable internet—ensures that even firms in remote regions can access these resources without costly infrastructure investments.

If the centre achieves its adoption targets, it could catalyze a measurable shift in Nigeria’s export composition. SMEs equipped with accurate market intelligence are more likely to diversify product lines, enter new regional value chains, and negotiate better terms with overseas buyers. Over time, this could improve the country’s trade balance, reduce reliance on volatile oil prices, and position Nigeria as a competitive hub for agricultural, manufacturing, and services exports within West Africa and beyond.