FirstBank's Alebiosu Advocates for Agriculture's Role in Economy

Olusegun Alebiosu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, stated that agriculture and exports are vital for Nigeria's economic diversification and sustainable growth during his opening remarks at the fifth FirstBank Agric & Export Expo 2026, held in Lagos on August 16 and 17, 2026. The expo gathered various stakeholders, including producers, processors, exporters, financiers, policymakers, and investors, to explore opportunities and challenges in Nigeria's agricultural and non-oil export sectors.

Alebiosu noted the expo's evolution into a platform that connects players in the agricultural and export ecosystem and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to convert opportunities into economic benefits. During the event, FirstBank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NEXIM Bank and Sapphital Limited to enhance trade finance and support non-oil exports.

The agreement was signed by Alebiosu, NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abubakar Abba Bello, and Sapphital Executive Director Chinedu Ogbeide. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Abisola Olusanya, advocated for improved agricultural value chains, while Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago highlighted the need for increased domestic production amid rising food imports.