The FirstBank 2025 Agric and Export Expo has brought together stakeholders in the agricultural sector to discuss ways to rebuild Nigeria’s export capacity and achieve food sovereignty.
The expo, themed “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy,” provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to share insights and strategies for driving growth in agribusiness and non-oil exports.
In his opening address, the FirstBank CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, emphasized the bank’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic priorities through agricultural transformation.
He noted that the expo has grown into a defining platform that reflects the shared vision for a stronger, more resilient economy anchored on food security, agribusiness, and non-oil exports.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by Ibrahim Alkali, described the expo’s theme as a survival strategy for the nation.
He highlighted Nigeria’s economic vulnerability, noting that when oil prices shake, Nigeria trembles, but when agriculture thrives, Nigeria breathes easier.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State reinforced the urgency of the situation, declaring that Nigeria must urgently broaden its economic base and move away from oil dependence toward a resilient economy anchored on productivity, value addition, and competitiveness in the non-oil sector.
The expo featured structured sessions designed to drive actionable outcomes, including a plenary session providing a strategic overview of pathways to accelerate growth in agribusiness and non-oil exports.
Industry experts explored practical strategies for repositioning these sectors as core drivers of economic growth.
FirstBank received widespread commendation for its pioneering role in agricultural finance, with officials noting that the institution has long been a pioneer in agricultural finance.
The bank’s agricultural portfolio has grown by over N11.65 billion in recent years, supporting farmers, processors, and exporters across entire value chains.
The event showcased export-ready agricultural products from various agro giants, with the Niger State Governor expressing his state’s commitment to collaborate with FirstBank and Lagos State in enhancing agricultural productivity and value addition.
The FirstBank Agric and Export Expo has demonstrated the bank’s commitment to driving growth in the agricultural sector and promoting non-oil exports.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributes 25% to GDP and employs 35% of the workforce, but spends over $10 billion annually importing basic food commodities.
The FirstBank Agric and Export Expo has provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to rebuild Nigeria’s export capacity and achieve food sovereignty.
The event has demonstrated the bank’s commitment to driving growth in the agricultural sector and promoting non-oil exports.
With the right strategies and partnerships, analysts believe that Nigeria can achieve a more diversified economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
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