Why Nigeria’s agriculture stocks are exploding in 2025

Over the past 12 months, agriculture stocks in Nigeria have been defying expectations and delivering some of the strongest returns on the NGX. In H1 2025, the sector became the top performer in the market, posting a jaw-dropping 126.5% growth in market capitalization across its few listed players.

Leading the charge were Presco and Okomu Oil, two palm oil giants whose financials are making waves even amid Nigeria’s challenging macro environment.

Presco, for instance, saw its revenue nearly double in 2024, with profits surging ~140% year-over-year. Meanwhile, Okomu Oil has capitalized on export demand and favorable pricing dynamics to grow its margins.

What is driving this rally?

• Global palm oil dynamics: Changes in supply, export controls in major producing countries, and rising demand have created tailwinds for Nigerian palm producers.
• Macro pressures working in favor: Naira depreciation makes Nigerian exports more competitive.
• Supportive policies & incentives: Government programs to boost agro-processing, reduce import dependency, and encourage local value chains are helping.
• Domestic demand & food security urgency: With growing population pressures, local food production and refining have become strategic priorities.

But it’s not all roses. The path is littered with risks: climate change, water scarcity, high input costs, poor logistics, and policy uncertainty all loom large.

For Nigerian investors, this moment is not just a flash in the pan. It may signal a structural shift — agriculture possibly becoming a sustained growth sector on the stock market, not just a niche.

For Nigeria, if this translates into higher production, exports, and value-added processing, it could play a critical role in economic diversification and food security.

At NGN Markets, we’re excited to track this unfolding trend. We’ll be giving you real-time data, performance insights, and alerts for agriculture stocks so you can see which names are leading, which ones lagging, and where the story might go next.