Lagos: First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. has applauded the Federal Government’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s agriculture agenda for food sovereignty. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, expressed this sentiment at the bank’s 2025 Agric and Export Expo in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FirstBank 2025 Agric and Export Expo, themed ‘The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy,’ aims to boost non-oil exports. Alebiosu commended the federal government’s drive to achieve food sovereignty and vowed the bank’s continued commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
Alebiosu highlighted the significance of the expo as a platform that reflects FirstBank’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s economic priorities. He noted that agriculture, once overlooked, is now gaining a significant place in Nigeria’s national development agenda. He emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy beyond oil and leveraging opportunities in non-oil sectors.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Ibrahim Alkali, praised the bank’s commitment to the agriculture sector. He emphasized the necessity of building a non-oil export-driven economy as a survival strategy for Nigeria. Kyari acknowledged FirstBank’s pioneering role in agricultural financing, noting its growth in agricultural portfolios and support for farmers, processors, and exporters.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended FirstBank for its leadership role in promoting agro-exports. He stressed the need for Nigeria to build a resilient economy anchored on productivity and value addition in the non-oil sector.
Governor of Niger, Mr. Mohammed Bago, also praised FirstBank for aligning with President Tinubu’s Transformation Agenda in the agriculture sector. Bago emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in food production and expressed gratitude to FirstBank for its contributions to the sector.
The expo featured exhibitors from various agriculture value chains and farmers’ associations, showcasing the diverse opportunities within Nigeria’s agriculture sector.