By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification drive by strengthening the capacity of businesses and professionals to participate effectively in international trade.
The bank recently hosted the 19th edition of its Export Management Programme (EMP) at Lagos Business School (LBS), Ajah, Lagos, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry professionals, regulators and aspiring exporters for intensive training on export management and global trade opportunities.
The programme, organised in partnership with Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), provided participants with practical knowledge, strategic insights and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing their competitiveness in regional and international markets.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head, Export and Agriculture, Isaiah Ndukwe, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s objective of empowering Nigerian businesses to take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expand the nation’s non-oil export sector.
“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 presents significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters and stressed the importance of preparing local businesses to benefit from increased trade across the continent.
“As AfCFTA continues to open new frontiers for trade across Africa, our goal is to ensure that Nigerian exporters are adequately prepared to seize these opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda,” he added.
Ndukwe further emphasized Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting exporters through tailored financial solutions, advisory services and strategic partnerships that enable businesses to expand beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Also speaking, Director of the Export Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Professor Frank Ojadi, underscored the importance of continuous capacity development in response to the evolving dynamics of international trade.
“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.
According to him, this year’s programme placed considerable focus on AfCFTA, exposing participants to both the theoretical and practical aspects of leveraging the trade agreement for business expansion.
“Many businesses are still learning how to take advantage of AfCFTA. Through this programme, participants gained practical insights that will help them navigate opportunities across African markets and beyond,” he stated.
Senior Fellow and Head of the Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at Lagos Business School, Dr. Uche Attoh, highlighted the importance of negotiation and dispute resolution skills in international trade.
“It is negotiation that enables businesses to establish deals, while arbitration helps resolve disputes when they arise. Once participants understand the principles, they can apply them in any business environment, whether in Africa, Europe or America,” Attoh said.
Participants described the programme as impactful and transformative. Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Obinna Oforum, said the training strengthened his ambition to become an “export champion.”
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Orji Samuel, also commended Fidelity Bank and Lagos Business School for making the programme accessible through subsidised participation, noting that the knowledge acquired would help participants navigate export challenges and unlock new business opportunities.
The Export Management Programme remains 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 Plc serves more than 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, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME Support, Best Retail and SME Bank Award by Independent Newspapers, Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards, and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards.Copyright TRUSTAFRICA NEWS.
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