Agricultural sector shines on NGX in 2025

Dayo Thomas

The agricultural sector on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded an outstanding performance in 2025, emerging as the best-performing sector with a remarkable growth of 126.5 per cent. This impressive showing was largely driven by top-performing companies such as Presco Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Plc.

Presco Plc led the sector with an extraordinary 5,818 per cent increase in its share price, while Okomu Oil Palm followed with a 4,508 per cent gain. Other notable performers included Vitafoam Nigeria, which recorded a 1,525 per cent increase, and NASCON Plc, with a growth of 1,505 per cent.

Presco Plc’s strong performance also translated into a market capitalisation of about $1 billion, underscoring renewed investor interest in agricultural stocks. The overall growth of the sector has been attributed to improving investor confidence, increased government support, and rising private-sector participation.

Stakeholders have linked the sector’s momentum to the government’s renewed focus on agriculture and expanding private investment. However, they caution that sustaining this growth will depend on effective policy implementation, fair pricing for farmers, and addressing persistent security challenges.

Key agricultural companies on the NGX include Okomu Oil Palm Plc, which is engaged in oil palm cultivation and processing, with a market capitalisation of ₦1.15 trillion and a current share price of ₦1,206.50. BUA Foods Plc, involved in the production of sugar, flour, and other food products, has a market capitalisation of ₦14.38 trillion and trades at ₦798.90.

Presco Plc operates oil palm plantations, milling, and refining, with a market capitalisation of ₦1.91 trillion and a current share price of ₦1,635.00. Ellah Lakes Plc, a fish farming enterprise supplying freshwater fish to local markets, has a market capitalisation of ₦63.7 billion.