FirstBank has reiterated its dedication to advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification by strengthening support for agriculture and non-oil exports.
Speaking at the 2025 Agric & Export Expo, themed “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy,” the bank’s Chief Executive, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasized that the expo has become a defining platform for promoting food security, agribusiness, solid minerals, and non-oil exports.
Alebiosu noted that the rebranded Agric & Export Expo underscores FirstBank’s commitment to positioning non-oil exports as a transformative driver of growth. He highlighted the bank’s long-standing role in financing agriculture and agribusiness across sub-Saharan Africa, saying:
“Our portfolio spans the full spectrum of agribusiness, from primary production to processing and export. Across the country, our teams deliver sector-focused financial solutions to ensure enterprises thrive and compete globally.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, described the expo as timely and crucial to Nigeria’s diversification agenda.
She praised FirstBank’s leadership in convening stakeholders, stressing that Nigeria has the land, human capital, and market potential to become a global agro-industrial hub. She added that government reforms are simplifying export processes, reducing trade bottlenecks, and boosting SMEs’ access to credit.
Ayeni further emphasized the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital trade in driving competitiveness for Nigerian exporters.
