First City Monument Bank and the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria Banking Commission have called for sustainable solutions and interventions aimed at empowering Nigerian businesses to seize opportunities within the global market.
According to a statement on Thursday, the stakeholders made the call at the Commission’s general meeting, hosted by FCMB in Lagos.
They emphasised that these sustainable interventions would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and facilitate trade connectivity while supporting the long-term growth of the export sector.
The ICCN Banking Commission is part of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria. It focuses on banking and trade finance issues in Nigeria, providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen their role in global trade finance. The Commission also works to cascade government economic policies related to banking and finance.
In her remarks at the meeting, FCMB’s Executive Director of Corporate Services and Service Management, Felicia Obozuwa, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, it is essential that we respond to emerging challenges and also take proactive measures to offer solutions that lead to sustainable growth. The opportunity for Nigeria to bolster its position in international trade is considerable. With the support of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, we can initiate and advocate for solutions designed to energise our trade sector.
“Our commitment to developing and promoting universally accepted rules and best practices and facilitating stakeholder collaboration is critical for promoting trust and efficiency in global commerce. The demand for coherent strategies and sustainable practices has never been more pressing. We believe that the ICCN Banking Commission’s collaboration with banks and other industry stakeholders will help to drive this.”
While commending ICCN for its contribution to professionalism, capacity building, and facilitating international trade and finance, Obozuwa acknowledged that contemporary challenges exist within the trade and commerce ecosystem. She stressed, however, that stakeholders must stay aligned, informed, and proactive.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the ICCN Banking Commission, Dr. Omolara Akanji, said, “International trade is not just a pathway for economic growth but a bridge that connects us to the global marketplace. Banks play a vital role in this ecosystem; they are trade facilitators, providing the financial services that empower our exporters to compete and thrive on the world stage.
“The ICCN Banking Commission will continue strengthening the collaboration between the banking sector and businesses, ensuring that every Nigerian entrepreneur has the support they need to reach international markets and contribute to our nation’s prosperity. We are committed to using artificial intelligence tools to drive this. We commend FCMB for playing a vital role towards achieving the objectives of the Commission.”
