With a heritage of excellence and innovation, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s oldest and most esteemed financial institution, has reaffirmed its status as a leader in the banking sector. Recently, the Bank was recognized as the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa at the 2025 Asian Bankers Awards for the second consecutive year. The Asian Banker Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards are well-known for their stringent standards, prestige, and transparency, honoring excellence in areas like financial services, technology, risk management, and transaction finance. Olusegun Alebiosu serves as the CEO of FirstBank Group. These esteemed awards reinforce FirstBank’s steadfast dedication to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to the economy of Nigeria and Africa. For more than a hundred years, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has played a key role in the development of the country’s financial landscape, introducing cutting-edge banking solutions and promoting economic advancement. Additionally, it is worth noting that FirstBank recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new modern, environmentally friendly headquarters. The awards highlight the effectiveness of its strategic emphasis on supporting SMEs with customized programs and fostering an inclusive economic landscape that allows small and medium enterprises to prosper and expand their global competitiveness. Achieving these prestigious awards is quite an accomplishment. FirstBank distinguished itself from other banks on the continent through a variety of important initiatives that have successfully changed the SME banking environment in all the nations in which it functions. Among the bank’s bespoke financial solutions are personalized loans and adaptable credit options designed to meet the needs of SMEs at different phases of growth. FirstBank has facilitated access to essential funding for small businesses, ranging from microloans for new ventures to substantial financing for growing companies. Their SMEConnect platform serves as a digital resource center, offering SMEs financial resources, business advice, and networking opportunities, significantly transforming their support system.
