NACCIMA Export Group in collaboration with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and supported by Polaris Bank successfully hosted the NAHCO/NACCIMA SME Exporters Forum, a one-day engagement aimed at strengthening the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The forum was held on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Exhibition Centre, Lagos, and brought together key stakeholders across the export value chain.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of NACCIMA, Sola Obadimu, expressed appreciation to NAHCO, Polaris Bank, the Members of the NACCIMA Export Group led by the Chairman, Barrister Kola Awe and all participating stakeholders. He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to creating an enabling and export-friendly environment for SMEs, while encouraging frank and constructive dialogue on the challenges confronting exporters. He commended the collaboration between NACCIMA and NAHCO and wished participants a fruitful engagement.
Stakeholders present at the forum included representatives of Polaris Bank, the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, the Nigeria Police Force, FAAN, NDLEA, Federal Produce Inspection Services, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NASME, etc.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Prince Lasisi, Business Development Manager, NAHCO, who shared practical insights on export cost optimization, shipment consolidation, early booking practices, and the selection of appropriate shipping models to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs for SME exporters.
This was followed by panel discussions and interactive question-and-answer sessions. The Representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) led discussions on key issues including export financing and interest rates, the high cost of exporting from Nigeria, border and port procedures, and market access challenges. Panelists explained that high export costs are often linked to logistics inefficiencies, documentation gaps, regulatory non-compliance, and poor shipment planning. SME exporters were therefore advised to prioritize proper documentation, compliance with export requirements, and overall export readiness.
On the issue of banned or restricted goods, it was clarified that such restrictions are primarily determined by destination-country regulations, especially where the importing countries produce such goods locally.
In his presentation, Barrister Kola Awe, Chairman of the NACCIMA Export Group, encouraged SMEs to take full advantage of the NACCIMA Export Support Centre, stressing that structured support, collaboration, and continuous capacity building are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. Olaleye Arinola, Head of Transaction Banking at Polaris also made a presentation on Export Trade Finance.
Also present were Logistics companies and Airlines including:
1. Lufthansa
2. Rwanda Air
3. Kenyan Airways
4. Turkish Airlines/Turkish Cargo, etc.
There were panel discussions by stakeholders and the Session ended with networking activities and photographs with all stakeholders including members of the NACCIMA Export Group.
The Session was very impressively attended by Exporters and SMEs who are already into exports as well as those with export interests and potentials. Also in attendance were Chambers and NACCIMA members, representatives of both the Women Chamber as well as NYE.
NACCIMA SECRETARIAT
27th January 2026
