L-R: Relationship Manager, Fidelity Bank Plc, Murtala Muhammed Road Branch, Kano, Victor Ngwu; Export Management Programme (EMP 19) participant, Abayomi Adewuyi; Facilitator, Gemma Ejiofor; Senior Fellow and Head, Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Mgt., Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr. Uche Attoh; Director, Export Management Programme, LBS, Prof. Frank Ojadi; and Team Lead, Export & Agriculture, Fidelity Bank Plc, Emmanuel Nwalor, during the closing ceremony of the 19th edition of the Fidelity Bank Export Management Programme (EMP 19) held at Lagos Business School, Lagos recently.
By Peace Udugba
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification drive by equipping exporters with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in regional and global markets through the 19th edition of its Export Management Programme (EMP 19).
The intensive training programme, held recently at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Ajah, Lagos, was organised in partnership with the Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). It brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, regulators and aspiring exporters for hands-on sessions aimed at developing export-ready businesses.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Divisional Head, Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank, Isaiah Ndukwe, said the bank remains committed to helping Nigerian businesses take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while expanding the nation’s non-oil export base.
“Capacity building is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s export potential. Through the Export Management Programme, we are providing businesses with practical knowledge, market intelligence and strategic insights required to compete successfully in regional and global markets,” Ndukwe said.
He added that as AfCFTA opens new frontiers for trade across the continent, Fidelity Bank is determined to ensure that Nigerian exporters are adequately prepared to seize emerging opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
Ndukwe further stated that the bank would continue to provide exporters with financial solutions, advisory services and strategic partnerships needed to expand beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Director of the Export Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Professor Frank Ojadi, underscored the importance of continuous capacity development in response to the changing dynamics of international trade.
According to him, this year’s programme focused significantly on AfCFTA, exposing participants to both the fundamentals and practical aspects of leveraging the continental trade agreement for business growth.
“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 said.
Also speaking, 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.
Participants described the programme as impactful and transformative. Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Obinna Oforum, said the training strengthened his resolve to become an “export champion,” while Chief Superintendent of Customs, Orji Samuel, commended Fidelity Bank and Lagos Business School for creating an enabling platform for practical learning.
The Export Management Programme is Fidelity Bank’s flagship capacity-building initiative aimed at developing export-ready businesses and professionals capable of driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through digital channels, its 255 business offices across Nigeria and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received several local and international awards for innovation, SME support, trade finance and community empowerment.
