Government's vigorous agricultural approach commended by FirstBank

FirstBank's 2025 Agric & Export Expo: A Stepping Stone Towards Nigeria's Economic Growth

FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd. recently hosted the 2025 Agric & Export Expo, a defining platform that underscores the bank's unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria's economic priorities. The event, themed "The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy," was attended by various dignitaries and exhibitors across the agriculture value chains and farmers' associations.

In his opening remarks, Olusegun Alebiosu, the Managing Director and CEO of First Bank Nigeria Ltd., commended the federal government's drive towards achieving food sovereignty. He reaffirmed FirstBank's continued commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria's agriculture sector, having financed more enterprises than any other bank through the commercial agriculture credit scheme. This dedication has resulted in over 23% of all participation in dedicated agricultural finance.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, commended FirstBank's commitment in the agriculture sector. He also praised the bank for its significant contribution to agriculture, which is gaining a significant place in Nigeria's national development agenda.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that we must aggressively position agricultural products, ensure competitiveness, secure market share, and drive investment into the agro businesses. In his goodwill message, he commended the bank and called for more financing in the agriculture sector.

The Governor of Niger, Mr Mohammed Bago, stated that there is a need for us to tell our stories ourselves and thanked FirstBank for this exhibition. He also commended the bank for tapping into President Tinubu's Transformation Agenda in the agriculture sector.

The expo aimed to boost non-oil exports and showcased FirstBank's portfolio spanning the full spectrum of agribusiness, from primary production to processing and export. The agricultural portfolio of FirstBank has grown by N11.6 billion in recent years.

The 2025 Agric & Export Expo received the approval of the Federal Government, with the Governor of Lagos State expressing his appreciation for FirstBank's efforts in boosting Nigeria's agriculture agenda for food sovereignty.

In conclusion, the 2025 Agric & Export Expo was a testament to FirstBank's long-standing role in Nigeria's economic story. For over 130 years, the bank has stood as a part of this story by promoting exports and fostering the growth of the agriculture sector. The event reaffirmed FirstBank's role as a steadfast partner in elevating the agriculture sector and driving Nigeria towards an export-driven economy.