Guardian

SKYE Bank Plc has won the “the most progressive maritime bank” award in recognition of its pioneering role in maritime banking as well as for its contributions to the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.

The bank was given the award by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) at its 10th anniversary at a special event to recognise and appreciate individuals and corporate bodies that have facilitated the growth of the domestic shipping industry.

Presenting the award to the bank, the Director General of the NCS, Mrs. Ify Anazonwu-Akerele, said that Skye Bank was the first in the country to support the indigenous ship owners in addition to boosting local content in the nation’s maritime industry.

She recalled that prior to the bank’s creation of a special department to cater for the maritime sector, funding was a problem for operators, adding that the bank’s intervention changed the situation for the better.

She added that Nigerian shippers had benefitted from the bank’s pioneering and continued leadership role through access to funding for their operations and expansion.

Speaking at the event, the bank’s General Manager, Corporate Banking 2, Mr. Segun Opeke, restated the determination of the bank to continue to support the maritime sector of the economy considering its place as the gateway to the nation’s economy.

According to him, the bank was responsible for the acquisition of over 50 per cent of ships by the indigenous ship owners, adding that it has since expanded its activities in the industry in the recent past.

Skye Bank has won many awards in the maritime industry in the past, including the back-to-back awards in 2007 and 2008 as the best maritime bank.