Business
FirstBank: Empowering Staff, Driving Productivity against the Odds
By Segun Adams
As the coronavirus pandemic forces firms to downsize and cut their wage cost to cope with the adverse economic realities, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) is bucking the trend with a different approach that puts its staff first, writes Segun Adams.
In a pandemic year where employees are agreeing to pay cuts to keep their jobs and businesses are either downsizing or simply liquidating, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is an outlier, taking an unusual approach to demonstrate how organisations can still ensure the best outcomes for both employer and employees.
The first-tier lender last Friday promoted a crop of its staff across all levels in a rare show of corporate resilience in the banking industry and beyond, both locally and across the borders.
According to FirstBank, keeping staff motivated during these unprecedented times is not only crucial for the soul of businesses, but it also demonstrates corporate responsibility.
In the wake of the new coronavirus pandemic, there have been unprecedented layoffs across the world as companies went bust, unable to generate cash to sustain their operations.
The United States, the world’s biggest economy has recorded a historic rise in unemployment with over 45 million initial unemployment claims in the last three months.
In Britain, HSBC, a giant global bank, is reviving plans for a 35,000 job cut due to pre-existing problems thought to have been worsened by the pandemic. Big banks like Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, Barclays, Société Générale among others have announced about layoffs exceeding 60,000 jobs.
In Nigeria, 38% of the workforce was jobless in April due to the virus and lockdowns, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates. In the MSMEs sector, 50,000 jobs were lost and 10,000 businesses have shut down according to Auwal Bununu Ibrahim, the National Vice President, North Central of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, (NASME) and in the Aviation industry, some 24,000 jobs were lost as of April.
While banks in the country have been barred by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from laying off staff without regulatory approval, there is no obligation for banks to implement promotions or raise pay. In fact, most lenders have initiated pay cuts to cope with the excess capacity arising from skeletal operations and depressed levels of economic activities in the economy which is reeling from the coronavirus and lockdown shocks.
But against the odds, FirstBank promoted its staff and didn’t cut down salaries.
In a recent article, Forbes stated that the manner in which firms treat their employees during the ongoing health and economic crisis will not only be remembered for years to come but have a direct effect on their productivity going-forward.
“How businesses respond will have a lasting impact on employee behaviour including, engagement, productivity and loyalty,” the American business magazine noted.
Hertzberg’s Two-Factor Theory also known as dual-factor theory postulates that career progression is a motivating factor for employees to work harder.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to take a toll on the mental health and focus of employees in the country, and across the world, due to uncertainty of job status, lower income and a disruption to their career development, FirstBank stands out as a safe and rewarding place to work.
The stability and confidence enjoyed by the bank’s staff are the vital environment human resources experts say is necessary for firms that will successfully navigate the tides of current realities.
In a recent BusinessDay Webinar, Nkemdilim Begho, CEO, Future Software Resources Limited advised that businesses can engage their team and see how they can help in creating new ideas and products that the company can deliver. The resultant effect will be greater efficiency of staff and innovation whereas, elsewhere organizations are bound to struggle with a demotivated workforce which could lead to inefficiencies and higher costs for the businesses with adverse implications for bottom-line.
To realise optimal human resources contributions, Begho acknowledged the need for firms to sustain team bond and ensure that morale of their staff is high.
Even before current events, FirstBank has always proven to be conscious of the impact a stimulating and rewarding environment can have on the overall employee performance and thus, provided value accretion to shareholders, customers and other stakeholders.
From its competitive remuneration across cadres including mid-level and senior-level employees to benefits that cover medical insurance and disability insurance, sick leave and vacation, and retirement options, FirstBank puts its workforce first ensuring that they are well motivated and equipped to deliver higher productivity.
FirstBank has featured on some of the best workplace rankings including A Great place to Work and Jobberman. Last year, the big bank ranked among the Jobberman 2019 best 100 companies to work for in Nigeria, a list that scrutinizes over 60,000 companies to pick the best 100 based on strict metrics. The bank has enjoyed positive reviews from credible job/career sites like Indeed where it banks a 4.1/5 positive rating.
A former employee of the bank Aderemi Adebiyi commended the institution for its keen interest in the welfare and career progression of its employees. “I worked in the Bank for 15 years and do not regret it. It’s fast-paced, performance-driven with varied streams of career development,” Aderemi said. “The company also offers paid trainings.”
FirstBank’s talent management strategy is aimed at supporting employee engagement, employee motivation and increased productivity, and leadership development across all levels of employees within the organization, according to its website. As a tenet of career development, FirstBank has devoted itself to creating a culture of continuous learning tailored to the needs and aspirations of the employees and the business itself.
The bank’s FirstAcademy and learning centres strategically located around the country allows for e-learning, mobile learning, physical classrooms and virtual libraries to allow all employees the opportunity to equip themselves for future roles that benefit both them and the organization. This means pandemic or not, learning is continuous and uninterrupted.
FirstBank also prides itself as an equal opportunity employer so that qualified persons irrespective of gender, culture, age, nationality, sexual orientation, disability or social background can participate in its business.
At the same time, FirstBank remains a performance-driven organization and merit-based, allowing individual talents to be rewarded for their hard work and contribution to overall organisational goals.
With people as one of the bank’s greatest assets, it strives to maintain a pool of multi-skilled and well-rounded employees relying on initiatives like Job Shadowing, Coaching, Counselling, Mentoring, Succession Planning and Career Maps to develop and retain talents at all levels of the organisation’s operations.
Business
Valentine’s Day: Wema Bank Unveils ‘Evolution of Love’ Campaign, to Thrill Newlyweds, Singles, Others
Following the launch of “ALAT: The Evolution”, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has launched its 2026 Valentine’s campaign tagged “Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank”.
Inspired by the “evolution” theme of its upgraded ALAT app, Wema Bank launched the “Evolution of Love” campaign with the goal of celebrating different forms of love experienced by customers, and how they have evolved over time. From self-love to friendship, romantic love to family, this campaign introduces a fresh twist to Valentine’s, decentralising romantic love and creating a space for every Wema Bank customer this season of love.
“Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank” calls on new and existing Wema Bank customers across 4 categories: Singles [self-love], friends [friendship], married couples and those getting married this February [romantic love]. While the gifts vary across each category, the requirement is the same—create a Love Goal on the ALAT App and submit a 1-minute video on any social media platform sharing how your love journey has evolved over the years, for access to gifts ranging from cash to spa vouchers, vacations and expense-paid getaways, and for one couple getting married in February, a special performance at the wedding from a celebrity artiste, courtesy of Wema Bank.
Announcing the campaign, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, gave further insights into the Bank’s approach to celebrating Valentine’s this year. According to him, “Love is central to the delivery of true customer-centric service, and as a Bank that prides itself on being customer-centric, this is reflected in the thought, intentionality and commitment we put into all we do at Wema Bank. It has always been clear how much we care about our customers and this year, we decided to celebrate the journey of love across different categories that reflect the different experiences and realities of our customers, from friends and couples who have grown together over the years to lovers taking the bold step of marriage and even singles because self-love is crucial”.
“This Valentine’s, we chose to acknowledge the beauty of every love journey, and we are inviting all new and existing customers who have a story to share. For the friends and singles, our goal is to promote true friendship and self-love. For families and married couples, our goal is to strengthen bonds by reminding them of how far they have come. For those intending to get married, we are adding one more memorable touch to their wedding with a special artiste performance. Our ultimate goal is for every Wema Bank customer to feel loved this season and beyond,” Oseni concluded.
Anyone interested in submitting their entry is encouraged to make a 1-minute video sharing their love journey and where applicable, feature the person with whom their love has evolved. All submissions are to be posted on any social media platforms using #ALATEvolutionofLove and tagging @alat_ng and @wemabank.
To be eligible, customers are expected to activate SAW, the Voice Banking virtual assistant on the upgraded ALAT App, create a personal or group goal on the app with the name “Love Goal”, fund the goal and transact with their ALAT/Wema card between February 1st – February 10th.
More details on qualification criteria are available at wemabank.com/love
Access Holdings Plc has announced that the Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc, its flagship subsidiary, has appointed Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman of the Board, following the retirement of Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN on January 29, 2026, upon the completion of his regulatory tenure limit.
Mrs. Osime is an accomplished legal practitioner with a strong background in corporate governance and strategic leadership.
She was appointed to Access Bank’s Board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Prior to her recent appointment, she served as Chairman of the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Board Governance Nomination and Remuneration Committee, making significant contributions to governance, leadership development, and sustainability. She also served on several other board committees. In addition, she is a director at Ebudo Trust Limited and a Partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial legal matters, and contributes to the firm’s leadership and strategic direction. Her previous board experience includes serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Coronation Insurance Plc, Board Chairman of Coronation Life Insurance Company Ltd and Non-Executive Director, Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank Limited).
Mrs. Osime began her career at Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation and later joined African Development Insurance Company Limited (ADIC, now NSIA Insurance) as Company Secretary/ Assistant General Manager, Administration & Legal.
She is a law graduate of the University of Benin, Benin City and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. She holds a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics and has attended executive education programmes at INSEAD, IMD, Harvard Business School, MIT, and Stanford, among others, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and global best practices.
Mrs. Osime is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Women Corporate Directors Nigeria Chapter, and Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is committed to mentoring young people and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the Group Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, said:
“Mrs. Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values. She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the Bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the World’s Most Respected African Bank.”
The Group Chairman also congratulated Mr. Usoro on the completion of his tenure and for his exemplary leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the Group and wished him the best in his future endeavours noting that he shall remain a valued member of the Access family.
SUNDAY EKWOCHI
COMPANY SECRETARY
Statement on Investors’ Relations
Access Holdings Plc has a dedicated investors’ portal on its corporate website which can be accessed via this link: https://theaccesscorporation.com/investor-relations/ The Company’s Investors’ Relations Officer can also be reached through electronic mail at: investorrelation@accessholdingsplc.com, or telephone on: +2348161875482 for any investment related enquiry.
First HoldCo Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reflecting a year of deliberate strategic actions aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, improving asset quality, and positioning the business for more resilient and sustainable growth amidst successful capital raise activities.
As stated in the unaudited Group financial statement, FirstHoldCo recorded a 4.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in its Gross earnings to N3.4 trillion, supported by a 36.3% y-o-y growth in net interest income of N1.9 trillion on the back of enhanced earnings yield and margins of 17.11% and 11.0%, respectively. Similarly, net fees and commissions improved by 18.7% y-o-y to N290.7 billion. These are clear indications of the strength of the revenue generating capacity of the core business which continues to be solid. Earnings for the year were, however, lower than the prior year, primarily due to higher impairment charges in the commercial banking segment. This is in line with a deliberate strategic decision to accelerate balance sheet clean-up and adopt more aggressive provisioning standards. Management views this as a prudent step that enhances transparency, strengthens investor confidence, and aligns fully with evolving regulatory expectations.
Additionally, increased regulatory costs affected profitability. These charges, while weighing on the results, underscore the Group’s compliance with Nigeria’s financial system stability framework and its commitment to ensuring systemic confidence. Despite these pressures, underlying performance of the Group remains strong.
Deposit liabilities grew by 10.0% y-o-y, driven by sustained deposit mobilisation and continued investment in digital banking platforms. This growth reflects strong customer confidence and deepening engagement across key segments. The deposit mix also showed a deliberate reduction in foreign currency deposits, resulting from the repayment of expensive funding and the impact of naira appreciation. This shift supports improved funding efficiency and reduces foreign exchange risk.
Gross loans and advances declined marginally, reflecting a disciplined approach to credit growth, strengthened risk management, loan repayments, write-offs, and the translation impact of a stronger naira on foreign currency facilities. The Group intensified its commitment to ensuring a high-quality, cleaner asset base, aiming to optimise the portfolio and enhance future earnings potential.
Furthermore, performance in earnings was impacted by a decline in non-interest income, mainly due to lower fair value gains on financial instruments following the naira appreciation in 2025. However, this was partially offset by stronger foreign exchange (FX) trading income and reduced FX revaluation losses. Net fees and commission income also grew, supported by higher electronic banking fees, letters of credit commissions, custodian fees, and account maintenance income, reflecting the continued success of the Group’s digital-innovation strategy.
While impairment charges increased following the end of regulatory forbearance, management has intensified recovery initiatives and reinforced credit oversight. Excluding impairment and fair value gains, pre-provision operating profit grew by 23.9% y-o-y to N973.3 billion demonstrating robust performance of the core business.
Apart from the commercial banking impairments, performance across the rest of the Group remained resilient, supported by steady customer activity and disciplined execution.
Looking ahead, the Group will continue to prioritise disciplined execution of its strategic objectives, with emphasises on enhancing efficiency and profitability, continuing to build on the Group’s digital and data capabilities, while sustaining a robust balance sheet to support increased value creation and returns for shareholders. Alongside this, the Group will pursue selective growth initiatives, including new revenue streams, additional business verticals, and deeper participation in targeted African markets, in line with our strategy and risk appetite.
Further details and insights are to be provided when the audited full-year results are published and during the subsequent investor and analyst earnings call.
