FirstBank Group Chief Executive Officer Olusegun Alebiosu said on Monday that Nigeria agriculture exports remain a cornerstone of the country’s push for economic diversification and sustainable growth in 2026. Speaking at the bank’s annual economic forum in Lagos, Alebosu highlighted the need for coordinated policy, private‑sector investment and regional trade partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential. Why Nigeria agriculture exports matter now The Nigerian economy has long been dependent on oil revenues, a reality that has exposed the nation to volatile global prices and fiscal shocks. In 2025, oil accounted for roughly 60% of government revenue, prompting policymakers to look beyond hydrocarbons. Agriculture, which employs over 35% of the workforce, offers a ready‑made engine for job creation, food security and foreign‑exchange earnings. Exports of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, sesame, ginger and cashew nuts have already shown a modest upward trend. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, agricultural export earnings rose by 12% in the 2025 fiscal year, signalling untapped capacity that could be scaled with the right incentives. Policy reforms driving the agenda Since the 2024 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the government has introduced several reforms aimed at improving the business environment for farmers and exporters. The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) was expanded in early 2026 to cover small‑holder farmers, reducing the risk for commercial banks that lend to the sector. In addition, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) launched a digital marketplace in March 2026, linking producers directly with overseas buyers. This platform reduces middle‑man costs and provides real‑time market intelligence, a critical tool for small‑scale exporters. Financing the agricultural value chain FirstBank itself has rolled out a suite of financing products tailored to the agricultural value chain. The “Agri‑Growth Loan” offers up to 15% lower interest rates for borrowers who can demonstrate a clear export plan. Moreover, the bank’s partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) enables blended financing, combining concessional loans with commercial credit. These initiatives have already borne fruit. In the first half of 2026, FirstBank reported a 30% increase in loan disbursements to agribusinesses, with a notable rise in funding for processing facilities that add value to raw produce before export. Regional trade opportunities Beyond domestic reforms, Alebosu underscored the importance of regional integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now fully operational, offers Nigerian exporters preferential access to markets across the continent. For example, Ghana’s demand for high‑quality cocoa and Kenya’s appetite for sesame present immediate opportunities. FirstBank is facilitating trade missions to these countries, helping Nigerian firms navigate customs procedures and meet certification standards. Such collaborations not only expand market reach but also foster technology transfer and best‑practice sharing. Infrastructure and logistics: closing the gap Infrastructural deficits—particularly in rural road networks and storage facilities—still raise post‑harvest losses to as high as 30% for perishable goods. Power reliability remains a concern for agro‑processing plants, which often rely on diesel generators, inflating production costs. The government’s 2026 Rural Infrastructure Initiative aims to pave 12,000 kilometres of farm‑to‑market roads and construct 150 modern cold‑storage hubs by 2028. Example – Cold‑storage hub in Kaduna State: A pilot facility opened in early 2026 with a capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes, reducing tomato losses from 25% to under 8% and enabling exporters to meet EU phytosanitary standards. Gender inclusion and youth empowerment Women constitute over 70% of the agricultural labour force in Nigeria, yet access to finance for women‑owned agribusinesses lags behind that of male‑owned enterprises. FirstBank launched a gender‑focused “She‑Agri” credit line in July 2026, offering up to 20% interest rate concessions and mentorship from successful female agripreneurs. Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge. The bank’s “Agri‑Tech Accelerator” partners with university incubators to provide seed funding, technical training and market linkage for agritech startups. In its first cohort, three startups secured export contracts for organic ginger and millet‑based snack bars. Digital agriculture: tools for the modern farmer Precision farming, satellite‑based weather forecasting and blockchain‑enabled traceability are moving from pilot projects to mainstream adoption. The NEPC’s digital marketplace now integrates a blockchain ledger that records every transaction from farm gate to port, giving buyers confidence in provenance. Example – Blockchain traceability for cashew nuts: A cooperative in Edo State uses a mobile app to log harvest dates, drying temperatures and shipment details. Export buyers in the EU can scan a QR code on the container to verify compliance with sustainability standards. Looking ahead: 2027 and beyond Looking to 2027, the FirstBank CEO envisions a “green corridor” linking farms, processing hubs and export ports, powered by renewable energy. Solar‑powered irrigation schemes and wind‑driven grain mills are slated for pilot rollout in the Niger Delta and northern savannah zones. He also highlighted the potential of digital agriculture—precision farming, satellite‑based weather forecasting and blockchain‑enabled traceability—to boost productivity and meet stringent international standards. In his closing remarks, Alebosu urged the private sector, government agencies and development partners to align their efforts, stating that “Nigeria agriculture exports can become the engine that drives a resilient, diversified economy for generations to come.” FAQ What are the main crops Nigeria aims to export more of? Key commodities include cocoa, sesame, ginger, cashew nuts, and horticultural products such as tomatoes, peppers, and mangoes. How can small‑holder farmers access financing? Through FirstBank’s Agri‑Growth Loan, the expanded ACGS, the She‑Agri credit line, and digital platforms that connect them with lenders and export buyers. What role does AfCFTA play in boosting exports? AfCFTA provides tariff reductions, streamlined customs procedures and a single market of over 1.2 billion consumers, giving Nigerian agribusinesses preferential access across Africa. How does blockchain improve export credibility? By creating an immutable record of each step in the supply chain, blockchain allows overseas buyers to verify origin, quality and compliance with sustainability standards. What support exists for women‑owned agribusinesses? The She‑Agri credit line offers lower rates, mentorship, and targeted capacity‑building workshops organized jointly by FirstBank and the Ministry of Women Affairs. For more details, see the full interview with Olusegun Alebiosu on Nairametrics. Related Reading Nigeria’s Food Inflation Slows to 19.57% – What It Means for Households in 2026 Nigeria Top Trade Partners in Q2 2026: Who’s Driving Growth? Uber’s Nigeria Exit: Is Africa’s Largest Economy Truly a Business Graveyard? 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