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Tag: FirstBank

  • FirstBank’s instant digital loans hit N1tr

    FirstBank’s instant digital loans hit N1tr

    FirstBank has achieved N1 trillion in cumulative instant digital loan disbursements to customers.

    In a statement, the bank said the accomplishment further consolidates its reputation for innovation, leadership in financial inclusion, and commitment to customer empowerment within.

    Since its inaugural digital loan in August 2019, FirstBank has developed an unconventional and robust digital lending ecosystem designed with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to improve access to finance, especially to the high-risk customer segment. The bank created a multi- channel loan disbursement service that requires no collaterals, zero documentation and is void of human interactions.

    Through its FirstAdvance, FirstCredit and AgentCredit products, 1.5 million unique borrowers enjoyed instant and secure access to credit.

    This is irrespective of whether they are salary earners, non-salary earners, or micro business owners. They also have the convenient options of accessing these loans through platforms such as *894# (FirstBank’s USSD service), FirstMobile, LitApp and the FirstMonie Agent App.

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    Regarding this milestone, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank, stated: “This success underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach, which are central to FirstBank’s core values. Beyond achieving substantial figures, we remain dedicated to fostering opportunities for financial independence across Nigeria in particular, and in Africa at large.’’

    He added, “We value the trust our customers place in us to support their financial aspirations. Our efforts to advance digital lending will persist, especially to the excluded and underserved customer segments, while effectively managing risks in the process.”

    FirstBank currently disburses about N1 Billion daily in digital loans, demonstrating its commitment to fostering an inclusive, technology-driven future for Nigerians. By consistently investing in advanced technologies and developing customised financial solutions, the Bank seeks to improve the financial well-being of individuals and businesses across the nation.

  • First Bank’s corporate varsity, First Academy wins award

    First Bank’s corporate varsity, First Academy wins award

    FirstBank has announced that its Corporate University, FirstAcademy, has been awarded the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the Global Council of Corporate Universities (GlobalCCU) Awards 2025.

    This highly acclaimed award recognises FirstAcademy’s outstanding commitment to driving social and climate change learning initiatives, aligning its learning and development programs with internal stakeholder needs, and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    The GlobalCCU Awards is a prestigious, biannual recognition of excellence in corporate universities, setting the highest standard for the industry. With a rich 12-year history dating back to its inaugural ceremony in Paris in 2013, the awards have consistently honoured outstanding Corporate Universities, learning and development structures worldwide. The GlobalCCU Awards celebrate institutions that create remarkable value for people, businesses, society and the planet.

    FirstBank’s FirstAcademy exemplifies this mission by earning the Gold Award for Best Corporate University in Social & Climate Change at the 2025 ceremony in Paris, France. This distinction reflects FirstAcademy’s dedication to fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility; developing impactful learning initiatives that transcends traditional corporate training, with broader societal goals; integrating climate action into its portfolio and operations; expanding climate finance offerings and developing a climate action capacity building training program.

    FirstAcademy was inaugurated in 2012 as the Bank’s designated corporate academy designed to provide structured talent development, knowledge management and culture change initiatives. One major objective of the academy is to equip staff with the requisite knowledge and skills required to deliver on the Bank’s strategic aspirations and to thrive in an ever-evolving work environment while contributing to social and environmental responsibility.

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    According to the Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, Annick Renaud-Coulon, “FirstAcademy is an outstanding Corporate University that is clearly the Best Corporate University globally for driving social and climate change learning initiatives.”

    Congratulating FirstAcademy, the Founder and Chairman of the GlobalCCU Awards, Annick Renaud-Coulon, said “FirstAcademy is a very mature Corporate University which demonstrates a strong alignment with FirstBank’s vision of responsible banking and sustainable development, with clear support from senior leadership and a governance model that strategically connects learning to business priorities. Congratulations to FirstAcademy for setting a visionary standard in advancing meaningful social and climate change impact through learning and inclusive capacity building!”

    In the words of Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank “We are delighted to receive this international recognition for our efforts in promoting social responsibility and climate action. This award serves as a testament to our belief that businesses can be a force for good, driving transformation that extends beyond profit to create sustainable and equitable futures for all.  FirstAcademy’s programs have not only enhanced employee skills but also contributed to the well-being of society and the environment.”

    As FirstBank’s FirstAcademy continues to bridge the gap between corporate initiatives and community needs, it sets a leading example for corporate universities around the globe, inspiring others to follow suit in the quest for meaningful change.

  • FirstBank, Headies to promote creativity

    FirstBank, Headies to promote creativity

    FirstBank Plc has partnered with the Headies Awards for its 17th edition, which was held recently in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The collaboration, according to a statement, underscores FirstBank’s commitment to supporting creative talents and SMEs within the creative industry, thus, providing them with the platform for international acclaim and recognition.

    The Headies, the statement added, is a leading music awards show celebrating top talents in Nigeria and Africa while providing a platform for upcoming and established artists.

    Since its inception in 2006, the Headies has consistently spotlighted the best in Nigerian and African music, attracting millions of viewers annually. After two successful editions in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the Headies returned  to its roots in Nigeria.

    FirstBank was announced as the first financial institution to partner with Headies.

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    This historic and pioneering collaboration underscores FirstBank’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian creative industry while reinforcing its brand values of innovation, excellence and cultural empowerment.

    According to Olayinka Ijabiyi, Ag. Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, FirstBank : “We are thrilled to partner with the Headies Awards, an amazing platform that celebrates the very best of Nigerian and African music. At FirstBank, we believe in supporting arts and creativity and this partnership is a perfect embodiment of our commitment. The Headies Awards aligns with our First@arts initiative which supports the entire creative arts value chain – including performing arts, visual arts, and music, reflecting the bank’s commitment to nurturing talents, promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, driving national growth, and unlocking business opportunities in the creative arts sector”.

    Ayo Animashaun, the founder of The Headies stated : “The Headies Awards have been instrumental in promoting and celebrating Afrobeats, providing a platform for artists to gain recognition and break into the global market. We are excited about the partnership with FirstBank, a milestone collaboration that will undoubtedly elevate this year’s event and further solidify Afrobeats’ position as a dominant force in the global music landscape.”

  • Bank, hotel partner on the arts

    Bank, hotel partner on the arts

    FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, has partnered with Eko Hotel to dazzle theatre enthusiasts this Easter weekend.

    The Eko Hotel’s Convention Center is set to be transformed into a futuristic Broadway spectacle with the highly anticipated premiere of “The Jewel”—a groundbreaking musical theatre production that redefines the stage experience.

    The highly anticipated show, inspired by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s “The Lion and the Jewel” and Ola Rotimi’s “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again,” promises to deliver a mesmerizing blend of traditional Nigerian literary classics reimagined through innovative staging and contemporary musical arrangements. “The Jewel” will take the stage for two days – April 18th and 19th—at the Eko Hotel Convention Center.

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    Theatre critics have already labeled the production as “jaw-dropping” and a genuine attempt to redefine Broadway excellence on African soil. Audiences can expect to be immersed in a world of wonder through cutting-edge production design, choreography, and musical direction.

    FirstBank has a rich legacy of supporting the arts and championing cultural development in Nigeria. Through its First@arts initiative, the Bank has played a pivotal role in promoting artistic expression by providing platforms for creatives to showcase their talents and connect with wider audiences, including potential patrons.

  • SWG: FirstBank pledges commitment to youths and sports development

    SWG: FirstBank pledges commitment to youths and sports development

    Impressed by the outcome of the maiden edition of the South West Games, the Games’ major sponsor,  FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, has pledged its continuous support to any sporting initiative that targets youths and sports development across the country.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden South West Games, Seyi Oyefeso, Executive Director; Retail Banking of FistBank said supporting sports is in line with bank belief in engaging and encouraging youths to put their energy into things that are positive and rewarding.

    “We will always support anything that is targeted at youths. At FirstBank, we will continue to embrace anything that engages our youth positively and things that encourage them to put their energies into things that are position and rewarding”, he said.

    He, however added such support sports is not limited to South West alone, explaining that FirstBank is a national financial institution that operates across off the state states of the federation and will support any initiatives geared towards encouraging youth nationally.

    While urging the corporate world to bring their help to sports grow, he said doing so will greatly improve sports development across the country.

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    “If there is anything that unites the nation the most, it is sports. Therefore, it’s important for the Corporate Nigeria to begin to support it and encourages them to organize properly”, he added.

    Oyefeso harped on the importance of catching the youth young, saying, the South West Games offers such opportunity and platforms for them to showcase their skills in an unadulterated environment to future development.

    Known for its support for sports through its First@sports initiative, FirstBank, a leading player in the banking sector, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nation-building and development through sports.

    Lagos state, with a total of 14 gold, five silver and two bronze medals won the maiden South West Games.

  • FirstBank back   maiden South West Games

    FirstBank back   maiden South West Games

    Maiden event begins  today

    As part of its First@Sports initiative, Nigeria’s foremost financial institution, FirstBank, has thrown its weight behind the maiden edition of the South West Games.

    The three-day competition which will feature 1,200 athletes and about 120-oficals drawn from the six states of the South West region will feature seven sports, ranging from Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Table-tennis, Archery amongst others.

    The event which is already the talk within the sporting circuit, is also part of Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games, (BAT-SWAG), a fusion aimed at providing platform for young Nigerians to achieve global recognition.

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    Expressing his appreciation on the impact FirstBank and others support will have on the competition, President of the Organising Committee, South West Games, Lanre Alfred, said FirstBank and other endorsements signals a strong commitment to an initiative that will engender social and economic development across the region.

    Known for its support for sports through its First@sports initiative over the years, the foremost bank, a leading player in the banking sector, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nation building and developing sporting talents while supporting legacy sports such as Polo, Golf and Tennis.

    Football and Basketball are the other sporting areas where First@sports initiative has been well pronounced. 

    South West Games/BAT-SWAG is endorsed by National Sports Commission and is scheduled to take off today and ends on Friday.

  • FirstBank files appeal

    FirstBank files appeal

    • Injunction, stay of execution sought

    • Says cargo remains under arrest

    In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO.

    Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte in nature, expired by effluxion of time within 14 days of its issuance.

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    Aggrieved by the decision, FirstBank lodged an appeal against the decision of the FHC. Also, FirstBank filed an application for an injunction of the court against GHL, pending the determination of the appeal. The Cargoes of Crude Oil on the FPSO TAMARA TOKONI remain arrested.

    While FirstBank has great respect for the courts, it strongly disagrees with the ruling, which, in our view, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.

    FirstBank remains committed to protecting and securing the interest of its members and will relentlessly pursue justice against mischievous debtors seeking to use the machinery of the law to perpetuate mischief and evade their responsibility to offset outstanding obligations.

  • FirstBank inaugurates Lekki Digital Xperience Centre

    FirstBank inaugurates Lekki Digital Xperience Centre

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited yesterday launched its fifth fully automated branch, the FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre at Admiralty way, Lekki, Lagos.

    Speaking during the centre’s inauguration, CEO, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the future of banking is digital, and the bank is moving ahead of competition with innovative products to exceed customers expectations.

    He said the brick and mortar banking is fast giving way to digital financial services, describing the Digital Xperience Centre as a significant leap by FirstBank towards revolutionizing the banking industry in the country as it is a state-of-the-art hub which puts customers at an advantage in experiencing world class innovative banking services thereby exploring the future of banking firsthand.

    He listed other locations with previously commissioned centres as Adetokunbo Ademola branch, Victoria Island, University of Ibadan, Wuse Branch, Abuja and Banana Island.

    Alebiosu said the centre is designed to cater to the growing and evolving needs of consumers and the banking public, enabling customers to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. The initiative, he said, aligns with the bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of financial innovation.

    Speaking further, the bank chief said the new generation of bank customers will not know much about brick and mortar banking, because they grew up to see banking done digitally.

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    He said: “The new generation of bank customers carry out their transactions using Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), bank transfers, mobile banking. Even suya sellers, retail businesses, among others have embraced digital banking”.

    He said the launch of Digital Xperience Centre marks a new significant milestone for the bank. It is a state of the art facility, and technology remains the backbone of financial services. We want to make banking very easy for our customers,” he said.

    Group Head, Branch Operations and Services (Lagos & West), Abimbola Kunle-Ajayi, said the bank has taken steps to ensure that transactions at the Digital Xperience Centre are safe and secured.

    According to her, the turnaround time has also improved for customers using the , Xperience Centres.

    She said customers can carry out different transactions including requesting for e-payment cards, making cash withdrawals through ATMs and depositing cash with the machines, among other services.

    She said the beyond the biometrics that ensure that customers’ accounts are protected, there is also One Time Password (OTP), that ensures security of every transaction, where applicable.

     “I am sure you also observed that beyond the biometrics, we are looking at our phone, to get the OTP, that ensures that customers’ transactions are secured,” she said.

  • FirstBank refutes allegations of fraud against its operations

    FirstBank refutes allegations of fraud against its operations

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited has refuted allegations of fraud against the bank’s operations.

    In a statement, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications First Bank of Nigeria Limited, said the bank has been made aware of a recent publication by a national daily, television station and a video regarding a court case filed by a customer, Dr. Agbai Eke, against FirstBank.

    “We can affirm that the allegations of fraud in the Bank as alluded to by ‘Dr. Agbai Eke’ are entirely unfounded and false. Our findings on the matter indicate unprofessional and unethical dealings between Dr. Agbai Eke and a former FirstBank employee, using a personal relationship to facilitate unauthorized transactions outside the bank’s knowledge or involvement,” it said.

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    “As the matter is currently before the Court, we will refrain from further comments to allow the Court to dispassionately determine the issues before it. The Bank has equally filed a report to law enforcements for further proper investigations and the suspects have made useful statements while the investigations are ongoing,” it said.

    According to the bank, “FirstBank remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of its customers’ interests. We assure our stakeholders that we operate with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism”.

  • FirstBank holds groundbreaking ceremony for new State-of the-Art Eco-friendly Headquarters

    FirstBank holds groundbreaking ceremony for new State-of the-Art Eco-friendly Headquarters

    FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, today, marks a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified Iconic Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

     This ambitious 40-story building project, set to be the tallest building in Nigeria, will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

     The groundbreaking ceremony, FirstBank’s Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said in a statement, “signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces the bank’s commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction,” adding that “the new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs and positions FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.”

    The CEO, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

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      He said with a legacy spanning over 130 years, FirstBank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity and sustainable business practices, adding that the bank has a robust international presence, operating subsidiaries in nine countries across three continents.

    The Chairman, FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, added: “Today’s gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life. We appreciate the unrelenting support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality.”

    The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Senators and Lawmakers, State Governors, Federal Ministers and Captains of industry . This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in FirstBank’s storied history, solidifying its role as a leader in the African financial industry.