Fidelity Bank has held it’s SME Quarterly Business Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The forum, with theme ‘Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth’ which drew entrepreneurs, SMEs and customers reflects the energy, resilience and entrepreneurial drive that define Rivers state the South south region and the Nigerian business community at large.
The Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo in a keynote address said ‘Port Harcourt occupies a strategic place in the economic life of Niger.
Mrs Shodipo said that Port Harcourt is a major commercial hub, a gateway to the South South and a city whose influence extends across trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture and energy.
She said, “Goods moves to markets across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria. Businesses in the city understand what it means to operate in a dynamic environment, respond to market demand quickly and keep commerce moving.”
“That is why today’s theme, is both timely and relevant. Trade and distribution businesses play a critical role in the Nigerian economy. They connect producers to consumers, support supply chains, create jobs and sustain livelihoods.
“In the South South, this role is even more significant because this region remains one of the vital arteries of commerce in Nigeria, with strong links to ports, industrial activity, wholesale trade and regional distribution networks;
“For many businesses in Port Harcourt and across the South South, growth opportunities are real. There is rising demand, there are expanding consumer markets and there is clear potential to build stronger value chains across sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, building materials, agro processing, healthcare products and industrial supplies;
“Yet, we also know that scaling in a sustainable way requires more than ambition. It requires access to finance, efficient systems, disciplined working capital management, stronger distribution channels and the capacity to identify and serve new markets consistently.”
The Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, averred that at Fidelity Bank, the management understand the entrepreneurial journey and thus are committed to walking it with SMEs, supporting businesses as central to its organizational purpose.
“Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and in the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds. We want to be your trusted partner in growth,” she stated.
From a financing perspective, the executive director said Fidelity Bank will continue to provide solutions tailored to the needs of trade and distribution businesses.
“These include working capital support, trade finance and structured lending solutions that help businesses manage inventory, fund transactions, bridge cash flow gaps and expand operations.”
Addressing the concerns of the business Community, which borders on navigating seasonal demand and extended value chains, access to the right financial support at the right time and the catalyst for transformation, Shodipo said the bank is aware that finance on its own is not enough.
“A distribution business may have a strong product and a ready market, yet still struggle because of weak processes, poor records, limited visibility across its channels or constrained market access. This is why Fidelity Bank support goes beyond lending;
“One example is the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC). Through this platform, we have created opportunities for Nigerian businesses to connect with buyers and market channels in key international destinations such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
“For businesses in the South South, especially those with products and services that can compete beyond their immediate environment, this creates a pathway to broader relevance and stronger commercial growth;
“We have also sustained our partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme. This initiative equips businesses with the knowledge, structure and discipline required to compete in international trade. It addresses practical issues such as export readiness, documentation, market entry strategy and competitiveness.
” For ambitious businesses in Port Harcourt, this kind of support can help transform local strength into regional and global opportunity;
“In addition, the Fidelity SME Hub continues to provide advisory support, enterprise development and practical business insight for SMEs. Through the Hub, businesses can access guidance that helps improve planning, strengthen operations and position for long term growth. This is important because businesses that endure are usually those that grow with structure, with clarity and with discipline;
“What this means is simple. At Fidelity Bank, we are committed to helping businesses in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the wider South South scale in ways that are practical, sustainable and profitable. We recognise the economic importance of this region and we see the immense potential of the enterprises that power it every day.” She added.
Shodipo called on attendees to think strategically about the future of their businesses, how to strengthen distribution channels. improve inventory cycles and customer reach.
“The strategic thinking would build systems that support growth and how to position your business to take advantage of new opportunities within Nigeria and beyond,” she noted.
There were feed backs, practical ideas and stronger partnerships as attendees connect with each others, customers and team leaders on the solutions and platforms that the Bank has created to support SMEs growth journey.
One of the participant at the event, Andy Macozi, commended the management of Fidelity Bank Plc for organizing the forum, saying the event was apt and urged the management of the bank to organize more seminars for businesses .
Chief Uche Aham, an Oil and marine services business operator commended Fidelity Bank Plc for organizing the forum and urged the bank to provide a handout from the forum to participants.
