Business
Against All Odds, FirstBank Eyes Another Decade of Growth
In the first nine months of last year, the earnings per share (EPS) of FBNHoldings Plc, the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria Limited as well as its profit grew by 125 per cent year-on-year (Y/Y).
But there is much more to where the premier bank stands in core banking and its profitability is not a mere accretion of transaction charges but that it has also increased its commitment to financial intermediation. In the three quarters, its interest income, which gives a clue of sustainable profit run, grew by as much as 165 per cent to N1.63 trillion.
And these are not just a random progression, neither are they products of white noise in its corporate journey. It has shown consistency of growth in both top and bottom-line metrics in the last few years, giving an expression to the tagging of its post-2015 crisis era as the ‘decade of miracle’ in the investment market.
For instance, from 2019 to 2023, its most recent audited financial, its EPS has expanded by over fourfold – from 195 kobo to 859 kobo, one of the fastest growing in Nigeria’s capital market. In the same period, it grew its yearly operating profit by over 320 per cent, from a mere N73.8 billion to N310.5 billion.
On the top line, its earnings nearly tripled, growing from N623 billion to N1.6 trillion in five years, during which its total assets jumped by N10.7 trillion to close last year at N16.94 trillion. In the half-decade, according to data obtained from its books, its total shareholder’s equity even grew faster – expanding from N661 billion to N1.75 trillion or 163 per cent.
As a key growth driver, its loans to customers saw a whopping rise of 243 per cent in the period to hit N6.36 trillion as of December 2023. Its facilities, according to information gleaned from its financials are spread across key sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture, agro services, construction, and real estate among others.
Whereas the five-year cycle has demonstrated robust growth, last year’s operations demonstrated even more resilience with the awaited full-year result promising to trump the previous ones. On key profitability indices, last year’s nine months exceeded the 2023 comparative period or full year by wide margins.
For instance, its earnings in the first nine months of 2024 were N2.25 trillion or N655 billion higher than the entire 2023 figure and 134 per cent higher than its comparative period, pointing to an annualised gross of N2.8 trillion. While the interest income showed remarkable growth, its non-interest income was also 82 per cent up from the 2023 three quarters’ N320.5 billion.
The lender’s recent migration to transaction-led banking is paying off with the reinvention of its digital payment system. At the close of last September, First Mobile subscribers had hit 6.9 million while over 23 million had subscribed to a potpourri of online platforms.
With its new 10-year vision, which was articulated in 2023, billed to consolidate these gains, the ‘decade of miracle’ might as well serve as the launch pad of the new FirstBank. But the recent boardroom intrigue and the dispute with General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) are a costly distraction the bank cannot afford. Hence, many stakeholders are seeking faster and less confrontational solutions to the crisis.
Amidst the conflicts, the Chief Executive of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, described a 10-year vision of the bank as a major stand in its Vision 2033, which would push the Nigerian premier financial institution to top three universal banks in Africa across retail, wholesale and wealth management customer segments.
“Given that the 10-year vision aspiration is still very market-relevant, and I was also an integral part of the process that birthed it, I intend to focus on ensuring its disciplined execution during my tenure as the Chief Executive Officer.
“As the CEO, I have a clear vision for FirstBank Group, and I am confident that with the strong support of the rest of the management team and board, we will deliver a franchise that will continue to be the pride of Nigeria and Africa within the financial services landscape,” the chief executive, who has told the market that his risk management background means nothing short of sustainable growth, said.
At the 12th AGM of FBNHoldings held on 14th November 2024, shareholders approved another N350 billion capital raise action, which the bank said would be executed in a blend of approaches this year. Plus, with the previous N150 billion rights issues, FirstBank is expected to exceed the new N500 billion minimum capital requirements well ahead of the 2026 deadline to keep its international licence.
A major speed slowing the pace of the traditional banks today is the natural advantage that digital-first banks like Opay, MoniePoint and others have been cloud-natives. Sadly, the brick-and-mortar toga poses a legacy constraint for traditional banks. But FirstBank, the first fruit of the conventional banks, has gone ahead with a digital evolution campaign.
Today, the CEO said, over 90 per cent of FirstBank’s customer-induced transactions happen on the digital channels – FirstMobile, FirstOnline, Lit App, *894#, FirstDirect and ATMs, where it has a comparative advantage.
“As the bank implements its cloud strategy, we are focused on building a nimbler, always-on and resilient financial services group that leverages its rich legacy to serve its customers’ current and emerging needs,” Alebiosu believes.
Interestingly, 2025 is the take-off of the bank’s 2025 to 2029 strategic planning cycle. The bank intends to “double down” on its dominant position across all the markets where we operate. Part of the programme is strategic investments to improve customer experience to make it easier for existing and prospective customers to interact and do business on its offline and digital platform, deploying new technologies and ramping up artificial intelligence deployment to scale up digital operations.
But as it turns out, FirstBank and its sister organisations also have a responsibility to urgently put behind the current distractions to continue consolidating the gains of the ‘decade of miracle’.
Culled From The Guardian
Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest retail bank, is set to unveil DettyFusion, an innovative all-in-one digital platform designed to help Nigerians at home and in the diaspora seamlessly discover, plan, and enjoy entertainment events during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive season.
Billed as the first-of-its-kind entertainment aggregator in the country, DettyFusion will serve as a centralized hub where users can explore event calendars, purchase tickets, access exclusive discounts, participate in curated festive experiences, and make safe, seamless payments throughout the holiday period.
Speaking on the forthcoming launch, Access Bank’s Head of Mobility, Ishmael Nwokocha, said the platform was inspired by the bank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience during the highly anticipated Detty December season.
“Every December, Nigerians look forward to moments that bring joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences. The launch of DettyFusion will create a single gateway that makes it easier, safer, and more convenient for customers to enjoy the thrills of Detty December,” Nwokocha stated.
He added that the platform reflects Access Bank’s drive to deliver innovative lifestyle solutions that extend beyond traditional banking services. “DettyFusion brings together key features that meet the needs of today’s digitally active and experience-driven audience,” he said.
With this initiative, Access Bank continues to reinforce its position as a leading lifestyle enabler, supporting Nigeria’s creative sector while empowering customers to enjoy top-tier entertainment during the festive season.
With DettyFusion, Detty December just got smarter, more convenient, and even more rewarding.
Across Africa, women are fast becoming the heartbeat of economic transformation. From bustling open-air markets to high-tech boardrooms, women-led enterprises are redefining what is possible for the continent’s future.
Whether as market traders expanding their reach through digital platforms, tech founders scaling innovations across borders, or artisans turning local crafts into global brands, women’s contributions are now central to Africa’s economic resurgence.
Even as they break new ground, many still face formidable barriers. Access to finance, mentorship, business education, and supportive networks remains limited. Structural issues such as weak property rights, gender bias, and inadequate legal protections often hinder women from securing loans or expanding their businesses.
Consequently, many women-owned ventures remain small, informal, and vulnerable to economic shocks.
Recognising both the promise and the obstacles, Access Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of empowering women across the continent. Recently named Africa’s Best Financier for Female Entrepreneurs by the EMEA Finance Awards, the Bank has earned global recognition for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and sustainable impact.
At the centre of this effort is the W Initiative, one of Africa’s most comprehensive women-focused banking programmes. Unlike conventional banking, it combines finance with mentorship, training, and community support, acknowledging that true empowerment requires more than access to capital. The initiative meets women wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, from start-ups to growing enterprises and corporate leadership.
The W Power Loan offers affordable credit with flexible terms, enabling women to invest in expansion, inventory, or technology. The W Academy provides leadership and business training on financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance, while the W Community connects women to peers, mentors, and role models across industries.
Importantly, these offerings extend beyond urban centres. From microloans sustaining traders in rural markets to leadership programmes developing female executives in multinational firms, Access Bank’s approach is deliberately inclusive. By partnering NGOs, business associations, and government agencies, it reaches women in underserved communities, ensuring participation in Africa’s economic rise.
The results are evident. Thousands of women have accessed credit, training, and networks through the Bank’s initiatives, enabling them to launch and scale businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities. The ripple effects are far-reaching: increased household income, improved family wellbeing, and greater economic resilience. Women who once faced daunting barriers now serve as role models and change-makers, inspiring others to follow their path.
Studies show that when women thrive, societies prosper. The World Bank and African Development Bank note that empowering women fuels GDP growth, improves health outcomes, and enhances social stability. By directly addressing structural gaps in access to finance and information, Access Bank helps to unlock this transformative potential.
Apart from supporting entrepreneurs, Access Bank promotes gender inclusion within its own organisation. Its leadership pipeline identifies and advances talented women, while mentorship and wellness programmes help female professionals thrive. The Bank also uses public platforms, from conferences to policy dialogues, to share success stories and advocate for gender diversity across sectors.
The EMEA Finance recognition thus goes beyond trophies and titles; it affirms that profitability and purpose can coexist. For Access Bank, supporting women’s advancement is smart economics. By embedding inclusion into its DNA, the Bank is shaping a financial ecosystem that views women as equal partners in progress.
Access Bank’s influence also extends into advocacy. Through forums, roundtables, and research collaborations, the Bank engages policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to identify and dismantle barriers facing women entrepreneurs. Its campaigns amplify women’s voices, spotlighting their achievements and driving conversations around inclusive growth.
In another demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended support to residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos with the donation of boats, educational materials, food items and other essential relief items.
The donation was championed by the Achievers Inductees Class of 2025 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank’s staff-led CSR initiative where members of staff identify areas of critical interventions in their communities, raise funds and receive matching support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.
Speaking on the donation, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting communities and fostering sustainable development.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when communities thrive, businesses prosper. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about improving lives, supporting education, and creating opportunities for growth. This donation reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation and contributing to a better, more sustainable future,” He stated.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the community, the traditional leader of Makoko, Baale Shemede Emmanuel Ajakaekun, commended Fidelity Bank for its compassionate donation.
“We are grateful that Fidelity Bank came down here to support us. May their work continue to flourish, and may God lift them higher. We hope they will not forget us but come back again to support our people,” he said.
Similarly, the Proprietor, Part of Solution Orphanage, Nursery and Primary School, Shemede Taiwo, described the donation as life-changing for the children and residents.
“Many children here struggle to attend school because boats are expensive to build or hire. Fidelity Bank’s donation will make a huge difference in ensuring our children get to school safely and in ensuring the improved welfare of the residents of this community. We truly appreciate this gesture,” Shemede Taiwo said.
Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank continues to empower communities across Nigeria by addressing key social issues in education, health, and welfare. The Makoko outreach comes off the back of a similar FHHP outreach to Old People’s Home in Yaba, Lagos, reaffirming Fidelity Bank’s commitment to the sustainable development that begins with genuine care for people and their environment.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
