FirstBank Nigeria is set to host the fifth edition of its Agric and Export Expo in Lagos from September 16 to 17, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic production, expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports and improve the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
The two-day event, scheduled to hold at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, is themed “From Farm to Global Markets: Building Nigeria’s Export Value Chain.”
The conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, agribusiness leaders, exporters, investors, development partners and other stakeholders to examine strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and export value chains.
According to the bank , discussions will focus on emerging market opportunities, financing solutions, technology-driven innovations and policy frameworks capable of improving agricultural productivity, increasing value addition and expanding access to international markets.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Governors listed as special guests include Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago; Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo; Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Other speakers listed for the event include the Managing Director, Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi; Deputy Managing Director, Agro Traders Limited, Taiwo Ayoade; and Sunil Kumar Chauhan of Plantation Industries Limited.
The designation of each speaker should be confirmed against the official event programme.
Speaking on the expo, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, underscored the importance of agriculture and non-oil exports to Nigeria’s economic transformation and long-term prosperity.
He said agriculture remained central to sustainable economic growth, while the expansion of non-oil exports offered an opportunity to diversify the country’s revenue base, increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen economic resilience.
He further stated that “the FirstBank Agric and Export Expo serves as a strategic platform for convening industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners, and key stakeholders to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative solutions that will unlock value across the agricultural and export value chains. Through this initiative, FirstBank reaffirms its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and accelerating the development of globally competitive agricultural and non-oil export sectors.”
FirstBank said the expo had evolved into a platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation across the agriculture and export sectors. The bank added that the initiative was designed to promote access to markets, facilitate business growth and support the development of a globally competitive agricultural sector.