Stanbic IBTC Reaffirms Commitment To Agriculture Through Partnership With BATN Foundation At Lagos Farm Fair
… toward better food on the table
Stanbic IBTC Bank reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s agricultural sector at the Lagos Farm Fair 2025, held on 16 October 2025 in Ikeja, Lagos. Organised by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the event coincided with World Food Day, uniting farmers, agricultural startups, and stakeholders to champion sustainable farming and enhance market access. This vibrant gathering served as a platform to promote sustainable food systems and collaboration; aligning with the broader goal of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Stanbic IBTC Bank is addressing Nigeria’s agricultural financing gap by offering tailored agribusiness loans for crop production, livestock, and equipment, enabling farmers to scale operations and reduce post-harvest losses. In 2024, the bank empowered over 2,000 SMEs through its Enterprise Academy, strengthening the food supply chain and promoting value addition. By supporting British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) in achieving its business and social impact goals, Stanbic IBTC plays a vital role in enabling initiatives like the Lagos Farm Fair, fostering agricultural development, sustainability, and inclusive growth through strategic financial partnerships.
Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, emphasised the bank’s commitment, stating, “At Stanbic IBTC, we recognise that agriculture’s potential lies in value addition and transforming raw products into high-quality goods. Our engagement with initiatives like the Lagos Farm Fair 2025 reflects our dedication to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As Nigeria’s growth partner, we are committed to enhancing food production, minimising post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainability to achieve national food security.” This vision underscores the bank’s role in fostering a robust agricultural economy through strategic partnerships and innovative financing.
Echoing this sentiment, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event in her opening remarks: “This year’s theme, Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future, emphasises the urgent need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, development organisations, and communities, to transform agri-food systems, promote healthy diets, and safeguard our environment. Despite its geographical limitations, Lagos State remains committed to achieving food security through initiatives like the five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, targeting 40 per cent food self-sufficiency by 2025.” Her words reflect the shared resolve to build a sustainable future for Lagos and beyond.
The 2025 World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”, as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, underscores the importance of collective action in revolutionising agri-food systems and promoting sustainable diets. The fair brought this vision to life through exhibitions and displays, creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to connect with markets and embrace fair trade practices. By facilitating these interactions, the event empowered farmers to expand their reach and strengthen the agricultural value chain, paving the way for a more resilient food ecosystem.
The Lagos Farm Fair 2025 showcased transformative initiatives like the Food Systems Transformation Agenda, which strengthens the food value chain and creates jobs through structured off-take agreements. Stanbic IBTC’s financial solutions play a pivotal role in supporting such programmes, driving innovation and improving market access for farmers and agribusinesses. By aligning its efforts with platforms like the fair, the bank is helping to build a sustainable agricultural economy, ensuring that Nigeria’s food systems are not only resilient but also capable of meeting the demands of a growing population. Through these concerted efforts, Stanbic IBTC continues to be a catalyst for progress in Nigeria’s journey toward food security and economic prosperity.
