Sterling Bank Limited has accelerated its push to transform Nigeria’s non-oil export sector by hosting a series of training programmes across Lagos, Ondo and Kano states.

It also unveiled the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy to support building capacity among exporters across the country.

The initiative, which recently culminated in a grand finale event in Lagos themed ‘Excel in Non-Oil Export’, aims to empower exporters with practical knowledge and tools to thrive in global markets and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange from oil revenues.

Addressing participants at the event, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the bank’s strategy to achieve FX resilience through a diversified export base.

“We realized that as long as the country relies on oil to import goods and services, it will never achieve foreign exchange independence. Nigeria’s wealth lies in our people and potential. We must build products for the world, not just extract oil from the ground,” he said.

Suleiman described the programme reception as a clear signal that Nigerian entrepreneurs are eager for the knowledge to scale globally.

Sterling Bank’s Divisional Head of Commercial Banking, Akporee Idenedo, described the campaign as a movement that reflects the depth of innovation across Nigeria’s value chains.

He emphasized the bank’s continued investment in the HEART sectors, healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transport, saying: “This is a call to action, for Nigeria to lead as an export-driven economy.”

In a keynote Principal Consultant at BAA Consult, Dr ‘Biodun Adedipe, provided a positive outlook of Nigeria’s export capacity.

Citing IMF and Afreximbank data, he noted that African trade is expected to outpace GDP growth over the coming years.

Adedipe praised Nigeria’s $5.456 billion non-oil export achievement in 2024, attributing it to improved macroeconomic stability, reforms and initiatives like Sterling’s.

He urged exporters to adopt export-led growth models that improve liquidity, hedge currency risks and increase resilience in volatile economies.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, a platform designed to bridge the knowledge divide and position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness with a call on exporters to register via www.sterling.ng/exportnow.