Business
FirstBank: Standing Strong on the Enviable Heritage of Firsts
By Eric Elezuo
It is often said that the child that would be great begins very early to manifest the traits, and in doing so, takes along the entire community, who are awed by his acts. These are acts that are tested, and trusted to last ages. This is the story of FirstBank of Nigeria Plc; a financially oriented company that manifested the traits of glory, customer satisfaction and all round first from birth, and has not looked back ever since.
In March 1894, in the quiet corner of Broad Street, Lagos, the brand was conceived and given birth to for the public gain. It was the first of its kind in the country, and deservedly got the best name appropriate – FirstBank.
FirstBank as the oldest bank in Nigeria, spanning 125 years and still counting, has grown in leaps and bounds, creating new frontiers, breaking barriers, constantly coming up with diverse firsts, bringing smiles to families with its cut to size promos and products as well as forging an enviable image for the Nigerian nation, both from within and across the globe.
As the premier and leading banking institution, not only in Nigeria, but the entire West African sub-region, FirstBank has fully revolutionalised the banking business, developing tip of finger-like ease of doing business and accessing funds. Consequently, the bank manages with ease over 15 million customer accounts in well over 750 business locations globally from where it provides a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services. The customers are also availed of the more than 2700 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the banks and other locations.
Among the very many firsts the bank is endowed with is the launch in 2011 of the first cash deposit ATM in Nigeria thereby granting customers the pleasure of depositing cash without entering the banking hall. This service has helped in reducing the handling of cash and supporting the Federal Government cashless policy.
The Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc., Mr. UK Eke; Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc., Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR and Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc. Mr. Seye Kosoko, at the 7th Annual General Meeting of FBN Holdings Plc held in Lagos.
With its XploreFirst promo, FirstBank has also regenerated banking and savings culture in the day-to-day activities of many customers, especially the students who are rewarded with potent scholarships. Recently, about 18 students were rewarded with N150, 000 scholarship each. This, the bank has used in promoting financial inclusion at all levels with about 18, 000 agent banking spread across the country. That’s quite a huge statement in putting the customer first as the slogan goes – You First!
Little wonder, in the tradition of firsts, the company performed a historical flag hoisting on March 1, 2019 to mark its 125 years in existence. If FirstBank had been a Dutch oriented company, it would have been dubbed Royal FirstBank, having hit the 100 years mark.
Talking about firsts, FirstBank is among the first banks (no pun intended) in the country to launch whatsapp banking as an alternative channel to ease banking stress. This is in addition to firstmobile, FirstMonie and firstonline, which have proved to be veritable tools to making banking more like a past time, accessible from almost anywhere. With its *894# code, FirstBank has reduced banking to mere touch of buttons.
FirstBank’s innovations and consistency has earned it recognitions from far and wide, chiefly among it is being named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” for six consecutive times between 2011 and 2016 by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” of the Financial Times Group.
Again, between 2011 and 2017, the bank was recognized as the “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria”. The honour was bestowed by the Asian Banker International Excellence in the category of Retail Financial Services. And for 15 years in a row, it won the “Best Bank in Nigeria”, an award sponsored by Global Finance.
In the words of the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney “Our brand purpose is to always put customers, partners and stakeholders at the heart of our business, even as we standardise customer experience and excellence in financial solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, in consonance with our brand vision “To be the partner of first choice in building your future”. Our brand promise is to always deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence. This commitment is anchored on our inherent values of passion, partnership and people, to position You First in every respect.”
Lending credence to the heritage of firsts of FirstBank, the Group CEO, Dr, Adesola Adeduntan said that “it is one of the ways FirstBank puts you first and enables you to stay connected with your contacts, loved ones, friends and finances all on the go while you chat with them because at FirstBank, we are driven to bolster relationships on all fronts, anywhere and anytime.”
A global bank by all standard, FirstBank is the second bank in Africa, and by all means the first in Nigeria to issue 10 million cards, in addition to being recognized as the first financial institution in Nigeria to achieve 100 million sustained monthly transactions in electronic payment, by Interswitch. This feat was achieved in December 2015 and again in May 2016.
The many firsts of FirstBank cannot be over-emphasized as in 2008, against all odds, it became the first Nigerian Bank as well as the first quoted company in the country to hit N2 trillion market capitalization.
It is worthy of note that over the years, FirstBank has led the financing of private investment in infrastructure development in the Nigerian economy by playing key roles in the Federal Government’s privatisation and commercialisation schemes.
To serve the customers better, the bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London and Paris, FBNBank in the Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra-Leone and Senegal, as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.
With its global reach, FirstBank provides prospective investors wishing to explore the vast business opportunities that are available in Nigeria, an internationally competitive world-class brand and a credible financial partner.
For 125 years, FirstBank has consistently built relationships with customers focusing on the fundamentals of good corporate governance, strong liquidity, optimised risk management and leadership.
The FirstBank Group is endowed with a rich blend first class human and material resources, which have helped in furthering the principle of placing the customer first ahead of every other thing. At the helm of affairs of FirstBank is Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, who is the Managing Director/CEO. The chairman of the group’s Board of Directors is Mrs. Ibukun Awosika while Oba Otudeko is the chairman, FBN Holdings.
Where would you rather bank? FirstBank…You First!
In a world where approximately 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years, 45% within five years, 65% within ten years, and only 25% make it to 15 years or more (according to the US Bureau of Statistics), any business that has crossed 15 years should be sharing insights on survival and success.
But what about businesses that have lasted twice that long? Or a financial services group that has thrived for over 130 years, especially in Africa, where business survival rates are likely lower than those statistics from the Global North? Such a group has certainly earned the right to teach masterclasses on business longevity.
First HoldCo Plc (FirstHoldCo), recently rebranded from FBN Holdings Plc, exemplifies sustainable business practices. A well-diversified group, it is one of Africa’s largest financial services organisations, offering innovative financial solutions through its subsidiaries in commercial banking, asset management, capital markets, securities, trusteeship, and insurance brokerage. FirstHoldCo ensures strategic coordination and synergy among its subsidiaries to deliver long-term value for stakeholders.
Retaining the legacy strengths and experience of FBN Holdings Plc, FirstHoldCo ensures that its subsidiaries enhance positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts while minimising or eliminating negative ones. This includes managing ESG risks in the workplace, marketplace, community, and environment, with the institutional capability to turn risks into opportunities.
For example, ESG risk management enhances credit and investment decision-making, de-risking processes for subsidiaries such as FirstBank and FBNQuest. It also strengthens social relationships with the communities in which these subsidiaries operate.
ESG and sustainability may be buzzwords for some corporations seeking to appear politically correct, but at FirstHoldCo, they are integral to its identity. The company is self-driven in aligning its strategy and operations with ESG principles and setting new sustainability benchmarks for financial services in Nigeria.
FirstHoldCo’ s flagship subsidiaries, FirstBank and FBNQuest, integrate ESG risks into their products, services, and offerings from the ideation stage through to development and launch. This approach drives responsible lending and investment practices, enabling the group to leverage ESG market opportunities while promoting sustainable socio-economic growth.
FirstHoldCo also prioritises people empowerment, fostering a work environment rooted in equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. A notable achievement is bridging the diversity gap, reaching a 40% female to 60% male employee ratio in 2023, one year ahead of its 2024 target.
The group also supports the communities where its subsidiaries operate, ensuring its impact resonates positively. Since 2017, it has implemented the SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness) initiative and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week. In 2023, these initiatives impacted 60,000 lives through outreaches to 60 orphanages, 20 schools, and hospitals across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom. Donations included consumables, computers, clean water projects, school renovations, wheelchairs, and cash. Employees committed over 27,000 volunteer hours to these initiatives.
In 2023, FirstBank reinforced its commitment to empowering women through FirstGem, a financial product supporting women-led businesses. Over N36 billion in loans were disbursed at a single-digit interest rate of 9%. Additionally, its Agency Banking business, FirstMonie, expanded its female agent network to over 55,000.
Inclusion remains a key focus, with FirstBank enhancing accessibility for physically challenged customers in 234 locations, making 25 branches fully accessible and improving access at 209 others. It also expanded the SPARK initiative to institutions like the Bethesda School of the Blind and the Down Syndrome Foundation in Lagos.
FirstBank operates an Environmental, Social, and Governance Management System (ESGMS) to drive responsible lending and minimize ESG risks. In 2023, this system was enhanced to ensure real-time transparency in corporate credit screenings. That year, 2,239 credit transactions worth N4.236 trillion were assessed for ESG risks.
To strengthen ESG compliance, FirstBank collaborates with development partners such as British International Investment, the African Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Proparco, a French development finance institution. Its partnership with Proparco is crucial for integrating climate initiatives into business strategy. This project enhances its understanding of financed emissions and positions it for climate financing and investment opportunities.
This initiative will help FirstBank reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigate exposure to physical and transition risks, and strengthen climate adaptation efforts. It also reinforces its market competitiveness as an ESG leader committed to a low-carbon economy.
As part of its commitment to decarbonisation, FirstHoldCo’ s FirstBank actively engages in reforestation and afforestation through partnerships focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) removal. In 2023, it pledged to plant 50,000 trees by 2025 in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). That year, it planted 1,000 trees at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos; Model Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; and Federal Government Girls College, Calabar. By the following year, it had planted an additional 30,000 trees, bringing the total to 31,000.
FirstBank also drives thought leadership in climate finance, promoting knowledge on carbon mitigation and climate adaptation. A notable effort was a webinar themed ‘Harnessing Climate Finance Opportunities in Nigeria,’ held in partnership with the Sustainability Practitioners Institute of Nigeria (SPIN). The event featured prominent ESG and sustainability experts such as Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, Dr. Muntaqa Umaru-Sadiq, and Carina Dunker, underscoring FirstBank’s commitment to advancing climate finance discussions.
With so much achieved and ongoing ESG/sustainability initiatives, what is the greatest impact of ESG at FirstHoldCo?
For the group, it is the net positive effect on the communities where its subsidiaries operate. For individuals, it is the tangible benefits from its financial solutions and CSR initiatives. For businesses, it is the sustainable practices FirstHoldCo champions, setting a standard for responsible corporate leadership.
This article is contributed By A. Ezekiel
Business
Ahead Regulatory Deadline, Fidelity Bank Set to Meet Recaptalization Target, Onyeali-Ikpe Expresses Gratitude
Fidelity Bank Plc is making impressive strides on its path to fulfilling the recapitalization targets set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
With a successful first phase of its capital-raising initiative that recorded over 238% oversubscription and share price growth of over 100% evidencing a huge surge in investor confidence for the bank.
Following the successful completion of phase 1 of its capital raise, the bank is exceptionally well-positioned to not only meet the regulatory threshold but also fuel its growth trajectory.
With the recent conclusion of its equity capital raise through a Public Offer and Rights Issue, collectively known as the Combined Offer.
The response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Public Offer oversubscribed by an astounding 237.92%.
This translates to 107,588 valid applications for a total of 23,768,724,000 ordinary shares, amounting to N231.7 billion.
The Rights Issue also shone brightly, achieving a remarkable 137.73% subscription rate with 6,903 valid applications for 4,407,252,795 ordinary shares, totaling N40.7 billion.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from investors, stating, “The positive results recorded in our Combined Offer are a testament to the strength of the Fidelity Bank franchise in the capital market.”
Such a robust response not only underscores investor confidence but also reaffirms the bank’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions and sustainable returns to its stakeholders.
Following this remarkable success, Fidelity Bank has secured shareholder approval to launch the second phase of its capital-raising initiatives.
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This includes a significant increase in the bank’s issued share capital from N26.7 billion to N36.7 billion. Shareholders endorsed this expansion during an Extraordinary General Meeting on February 6, 2025, approving the creation of an additional 20 billion ordinary shares of N0.50 each.
This strategic capital boost positions Fidelity Bank to meet the CBN’s new minimum regulatory capital requirement of N500 billion for banks with international authorization by March 31, 2026. This ambitious goal aligns seamlessly with the bank’s vision for sustainable growth and exceptional service delivery, setting the stage for a dynamic future.
Fidelity Bank’s stock performance has further solidified its status as a top contender in the financial sector. From an initial offer price of N9.75 per share during the Public Offer, shares soared to a high of N21.15 on February 7, 2025, representing an impressive growth rate of over 116%.
This positions Fidelity Bank as one of the best-performing financial institutions in the market, with analysts from Apel Asset Limited noting an impressive 80% return on investment for shareholders who have held shares since 2023.
Market analysts project a considerable upside potential of 28.88%, establishing a fair value of Fidelity Bank at N23.15 against a reference price of N19.50. Such promising indicators not only enhance investor confidence but also position Fidelity Bank as a compelling investment opportunity within the Nigerian banking landscape.
The funds raised from the initial phases of the capital-raising exercises are earmarked for several key initiatives. Fidelity Bank plans to utilize these resources for local and international business expansion, enhancing technology infrastructure, and improving customer service initiatives. This proactive approach showcases the bank’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
As the bank gears up for the next phase of its capital-raising initiative, the primary focus remains on achieving its recapitalization targets while consistently delivering value to stakeholders. The bank’s leadership is confident that, with sustained investor support and a robust financial strategy, it will adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of the Nigerian banking sector.
Fidelity Bank’s recent achievements in capital raising signal a pivotal moment in its journey toward strengthening its financial foundation. With robust investor backing, strategic capital allocation, and a clear vision for growth, Fidelity Bank is not just on track to meet its recapitalization target—it is poised to exceed it.
The road ahead promises to be one of sustained growth and innovation, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a leader in the Nigerian financial sector. As the bank looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strong relationships with investors and delivering on its promise of financial excellence and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Fidelity Bank’s proactive measures and impressive market performance pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where it continues to lead with integrity and vision in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
Leading financial services institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, has launched an initiative to improve quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities.
This scheme known as Waste for Gas is under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities.
The initiative also introduces a structured Waste for Gas exchange programme that promotes responsible waste management, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The company intends to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.
By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily routines, freeing up time for essential activities that support financial resilience.
The project will unfold in two key phases, ensuring that it reaches those most in need.
In the first phase, teams from GTCO, in collaboration with local government representatives, conducted door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government from Monday to Friday, February 18 – 21, 2025.
These visits helped identify beneficiaries who currently rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participating households collected and returned plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners.
In the second phase, which held on Saturday and Sunday, February 22 and 23, 2025, efforts shifted to monitoring and increasing adoption of the new cooking method among the beneficiaries.
The chief executive of GTCO, Mr Segun Agbaje, said, “At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate.
“Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development.
“Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”
As GTCO continues to expand its CSR footprint, the Waste for Gas project serves as a blueprint for future interventions that drive meaningful, long-lasting impact in underserved communities.
