ProvidusUnity Bank has convened over 200 exporters, business associations and authorities establishments on the fifth version of its Non-Oil Export Business Forum in Kano to strengthen export competitiveness and unlock alternatives for Nigerian companies in worldwide markets.
The discussion board, themed “Driving Export Competitiveness, Trade Facilitation and Economic Facilitation,” introduced collectively stakeholders throughout the export worth chain to debate challenges, share international greatest practices and discover sensible options for rising Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
The engagement comes amid rising momentum in the sector. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigeria generated a report $6.1 billion in non-oil export receipts in 2025, an 11.5 per cent enhance over 2024. Export volumes rose to eight.02 million metric tonnes, with 281 non-oil merchandise reaching 120 nations. However, alternatives stay to deepen native processing, enhance entry to commerce finance, strengthen compliance with worldwide requirements and broaden market entry.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Walter Akpani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ProvidusUnity Bank, Mr. Enyinnaya Akagha, the Treasurer, ProvidusUnity Bank reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector by stronger stakeholder collaboration and modern commerce options.
“Nigeria’s non-oil export sector presents a big alternative to diversify the economic system, strengthen international alternate earnings and create sustainable enterprise progress. Realising this potential requires stronger collaboration throughout the export worth chain and monetary options that reply to the realities of exporters.
“As a Future Forward bank, ProvidusUnity Bank is committed to providing responsive, seamless and innovative trade solutions that help businesses overcome operational challenges, access new markets and scale internationally. By working closely with exporters, industry associations and regulators, we aim to contribute to a more competitive and resilient export ecosystem,” stated Akpani.
Participants included representatives of the Kano Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dawanau Market Association and the Association of Sesame Farmers, alongside agribusiness operators, producers, leather-based and tannery companies and commodity merchants.
Abdullahi Maidoya Yakubu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dawanau International Market Limited, stated the discussion board was essential to unlocking northern Nigeria’s export potential.
“The region has significant opportunities in agricultural commodities and other exportable products. By connecting exporters with financial institutions, regulators and industry experts, initiatives like this can help businesses overcome barriers, access new markets, increase export volumes and translate the region’s productive capacity into greater economic value,” he stated.
Government and regulatory establishments represented included the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Customs Service and Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Discussions targeted on commerce finance, regulatory compliance, commerce facilitation and worldwide market necessities, with specific consideration to the alternatives out there to exporters throughout northern Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial worth chains.
Dr. Abiodun Ariyo, Group Head of Global Trade and Structured Finance at ProvidusUnity Bank, whose workforce organised the discussion board, stated the initiative was designed to attach exporters with the information, partnerships and help required to compete successfully in international markets.
“Building a competitive non-oil export sector requires more than access to international markets. Exporters need appropriate financing, efficient trade processes, regulatory clarity and the capacity to meet global standards. By bringing key stakeholders together, this forum creates an opportunity to address these needs and identify practical pathways for sustainable export growth,” Ariyo stated.
The discussion board reinforces ProvidusUnity Bank’s dedication to supporting companies engaged in worldwide commerce by commerce finance options, stakeholder collaboration and initiatives that promote export progress and financial diversification.
