csrreporters 
FirstBank has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic diversification through strong backing of agriculture and non-oil export sectors. This pledge was made at the 2025 FirstBank Agric & Export Expo, themed “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy.”
Speaking at the event, FirstBank’s Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the expo has become a cornerstone in advancing Nigeria’s key economic priorities — including food security, agribusiness, solid minerals, and non-oil exports.
“This expo reflects our collective vision for a more resilient Nigerian economy, anchored on food security and export diversification,” Alebiosu stated.
He noted that the renaming of the event to include “Export” signifies the bank’s renewed focus on supporting non-oil exports as a transformational pillar for national growth.
With a legacy of over 100 years, FirstBank continues to be a key player in financing agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa. Alebiosu emphasized that the bank’s agribusiness portfolio covers the full value chain — from primary production to processing and exports — and is supported by sector-specific financial solutions delivered nationwide.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, lauded FirstBank for convening stakeholders to confront the urgent need for economic diversification.
“Nigeria possesses the human capital, fertile land, and market size to become a global agro-industrial hub,” Ayeni said.
She stressed the importance of value addition, tech-enabled agribusiness, and export readiness in positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive economy. Ayeni also highlighted government-led reforms aimed at simplifying export procedures, removing trade barriers, and enhancing access to export credit.
In closing, she reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital trade platforms to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and improve export competitiveness.
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