Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has urged small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen their export capabilities and improve their readiness for cross-border trade as businesses seek growth opportunities beyond the domestic market.
The call was made during the bank’s International SME Day 2026 client engagement session in Lagos, themed “Scaling Beyond Borders in a Changing Global Market.”
The event brought together regulators, industry experts, business leaders, and SME customers to discuss export development, trade facilitation, and cross-border business opportunities.
Discussions focused on the changing macroeconomic environment, collaboration across the trade ecosystem, and the role of financial institutions in supporting Nigerian businesses seeking access to international markets.
Speaking at the event, the acting Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Ayodeji Adelagun, said small and medium-sized enterprises remain a key driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that SMEs account for about 96 per cent of businesses in the country, contribute nearly half of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, and employ a significant share of the workforce.
“The rapidly evolving global business landscape presents a defining opportunity for Nigerian SMEs to expand beyond local markets and compete with greater confidence across Africa and the world. Digital transformation, regional integration and shifting consumer preferences are opening new pathways for growth.
“However, to fully capture these opportunities, businesses must also navigate realities such as currency volatility, evolving trade policies, supply chain disruptions, infrastructure constraints, technology adoption gaps, and access to affordable finance. Building resilience, strengthening adaptability, and investing in the right capabilities will be critical to sustainable success,” Adelagun said.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt technology, strengthen compliance and quality standards, and build strategic partnerships to improve export readiness and market access.
The event featured a keynote address by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni, followed by a panel discussion involving the Assistant Comptroller, Trade Facilitation, Nigeria Customs Service, Burhan Idris Sulaiman; the Head of SME Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Bisi Oke; and the bank’s Local Product Manager, Trade, Simon Umegbu.
Speaking on the bank’s support for SMEs, Oke said the engagement was intended to provide businesses with access to market information, partnerships and opportunities beyond conventional banking services.
“This engagement reflects our commitment to supporting clients beyond banking by providing access to the insights, partnerships, and opportunities they need to grow and compete in international markets. Export-led growth remains an important pathway for Nigerian SMEs, and we are focused on helping our clients unlock these opportunities with the right knowledge, networks, and financial solutions,” Oke said.
Speaking on customs compliance, Sulaiman said businesses seeking to participate in cross-border trade should prioritise proper documentation, accurate product classification, regulatory compliance and early engagement with relevant government agencies.
“For SMEs, successful cross-border trade starts with preparation. Businesses that understand customs requirements, maintain accurate records, and engage the right agencies early are better positioned to reduce delays, manage costs, and access regional and international markets more competitively,” he said.
According to the bank, more than 200 clients and stakeholders attended the event, including members of its management team. It said it would continue supporting SMEs through financial solutions, access to its international network, and strategic partnerships aimed at improving the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.