FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and foremost financial inclusion service provider, will host the 2025 edition of the FirstBank Agric and Export Conference on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre.

With the theme “The Fundamentals of Building a Non-Oil Export Driven Economy”, the conference builds on previous successful editions and reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export sectors as key pillars of economic development.

Driving Knowledge and Innovation

FirstBank designed the Agric and Export Conference to keep Nigerians updated on emerging trends in agriculture and non-oil exports. The event will provide insights into innovative solutions that can accelerate national growth.

The 2025 edition will adopt a hybrid format, enabling principal stakeholders to attend physically while most participants join virtually. In addition, participants will explore exhibition booths showcasing leading organizations and associations within the sector.

Sessions and Engagements

The conference will feature keynote speeches, goodwill messages, plenary discussions, and technical sessions anchored by subject matter specialists in agriculture and the export value chain.

Speakers will expound on the central theme and share practical insights to help participants apply solutions within their businesses.

Line-Up of Distinguished Speakers

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security, will deliver the keynote address. Plenary and technical sessions will feature insights from industry leaders, including:

• Mr. Jafar Abubakar Umar, MD, Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
• Mr. Abba Bello, MD/CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM)
• Mr. Segun Awolowo, National Action Committee on AfCFTA
• Architect Kabir Ibrahim, President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria
• Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)

They will join other renowned professionals to provide knowledge and perspectives that enhance the competitiveness of participants across the agricultural and export value chain.

FirstBank’s Commitment to Stakeholders

Speaking on the upcoming event, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director of FirstBank Group, emphasized the Bank’s strategic vision:

“The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference is a 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 empowers customers and stakeholders by providing actionable insights, innovative solutions, and valuable connections that help them navigate the complexities of these sectors. In addition, we aim to deliver tangible benefits to our customers, enhance their business prospects, and create lasting value for our stakeholders while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.”

Participation and Registration

FirstBank invites participants to register for the Agric and Export Conference via the official link:
FirstBank Agric and Export Conference Registration.

A Strategic Platform for Growth

The Agric and Export Conference stands as one of FirstBank’s flagship initiatives, promoting collaboration and innovation within agriculture and non-oil export.

By offering a strategic platform for engagement, the Bank strengthens the global competitiveness of its customers and partners.

With agriculture positioned as the most viable alternative to oil for generating foreign exchange, the conference reinforces Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

About FirstBank

Established in 1894, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) remains West Africa’s premier bank and a leading financial inclusion services provider across Africa.

With operations spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia, FirstBank maintains subsidiaries in the UK, DR Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing, China.

The Bank serves over 43 million customer accounts across Nigeria, the UK, and sub-Saharan Africa, operating through more than 820 business offices and over 280,000 agent locations in 772 of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Its robust presence enables it to provide comprehensive retail and wholesale banking services as well as pension custody and nominee services.

Over 13 decades, FirstBank has built a strong reputation in corporate governance, innovation, and customer-focused digital banking. With over 25 million active digital customers, the Bank leads Nigeria’s cashless transaction drive.

It also promotes diversity through initiatives like the FirstBank Women Network and remains committed to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles.

The Bank has earned consistent international recognition, including awards for Best SME Bank in Africa and Nigeria, Best Private Bank in Nigeria, and Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.

Its global credit ratings remain aligned with Nigeria’s sovereign ratings, highlighting financial strength and stability.

Guided by its vision “To be Africa’s Bank of first choice” and mission “To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible”, FirstBank continues to champion entrepreneurship, professionalism, innovation, and customer-centricity.