FirstBank has announced the 2025 edition of its Agric and Export Conference, an initiative aimed at driving growth in Nigeria’s agriculture and non-oil export sectors. The event, themed “The Fundamentals of Building a Non-Oil Export-Driven Economy”, is scheduled to build on the successes of previous editions, providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
In a statement on Wednesday, the bank described the Agric and Export Conference as one of its flagship initiatives to promote collaboration and innovation within the agricultural and non-oil export industries. The conference is designed to help businesses and individuals in these sectors improve their competitiveness in the global market while contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The 2025 edition will adopt a hybrid format, with most participants joining virtually while key stakeholders attend in person. This approach is expected to encourage wider participation from both local and international audiences, enabling more industry players to benefit from the knowledge-sharing sessions.
Speaking on the importance of the conference, the Managing Director of FirstBank Group, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said the event serves as a strategic platform for industry leaders to come together and develop strategies that can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export industries. “The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is a strategic platform for stakeholders to converge, share knowledge, and drive strategies that can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and non-oil export industry. Through this platform, FirstBank is empowering customers and stakeholders by providing them with actionable insights, innovative solutions, and valuable connections that can help them navigate the complexities of the agricultural and non-oil export sectors,” Alebiosu stated.
He added that the bank’s commitment goes beyond organising the conference, as it aims to deliver tangible benefits to customers, enhance their business opportunities, and create lasting value for stakeholders. According to him, the ultimate goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s economic development by encouraging a shift away from overdependence on oil revenue.
The conference is expected to attract high-profile participants from both the public and private sectors. Confirmed guests include the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who will deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers include the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Jafar Abubakar Umar; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Mr. Abba Bello; the Executive Secretary of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo; the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Architect Kabir Ibrahim; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.
FirstBank noted that the plenary and technical sessions will be enriched with practical insights from these industry leaders, enabling participants to gain valuable knowledge on best practices, policy frameworks, and market opportunities. Discussions will focus on improving access to export financing, enhancing value chains, meeting global quality standards, and expanding market access for Nigerian agricultural products.
Industry observers say that initiatives like the FirstBank Agric and Export Conference are crucial in helping Nigeria achieve its economic diversification goals. By creating a platform where policymakers, financiers, exporters, and farmers can engage directly, the event is expected to encourage innovative solutions that will strengthen the non-oil sector’s role in job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and sustainable development.
With the 2025 edition, FirstBank is reinforcing its position as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, demonstrating a commitment to empowering businesses in agriculture and exports, and supporting the country’s journey towards a more diversified and resilient economy.
