First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reiterated its commitment to driving financial inclusion and bridging the economic divide through advanced digital banking solutions tailored to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses, and underserved communities. The bank’s renewed focus underscores its determination to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income level, has access to convenient, secure, and affordable financial services.
In a statement released in Lagos, FirstBank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, emphasized that technology remains the cornerstone of the bank’s growth strategy as it transitions into a fully digital financial institution. He stated that the bank’s investment in innovation is not just about convenience but about empowering millions of Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the economy.
“Our goal at FirstBank is to democratize access to financial services. We are leveraging technology to create solutions that simplify transactions, support small businesses, and drive economic empowerment across all segments of society,” Adeduntan explained.
He added that the bank has made significant progress through its digital platforms such as FirstMobile, FirstMonie, FirstOnline, and USSD services, which have enabled millions of Nigerians to access banking services without visiting physical branches. With these platforms, customers can open accounts, transfer money, pay bills, access loans, and perform other transactions in real-time.
Adeduntan noted that FirstBank’s FirstMonie agents, now numbering over 200,000 across Nigeria, have been instrumental in bridging the financial gap between urban and rural populations. Through this network, the bank has successfully extended its reach to millions of Nigerians in remote communities, empowering local entrepreneurs to serve as agents while creating employment and income opportunities.
“Our agency banking model has proven to be one of the most effective tools in deepening financial inclusion. We have agents in almost every local government area in Nigeria, ensuring that people in underserved areas have access to essential financial services,” he said.
The CEO further stated that the bank is investing heavily in digital infrastructure to enhance transaction security and user experience. According to him, FirstBank’s systems are built on cutting-edge technology to safeguard customer data, prevent fraud, and ensure seamless connectivity across multiple channels.
“We understand that trust and security are the foundation of digital banking. That’s why we’ve adopted global best practices in cybersecurity and are continuously upgrading our systems to stay ahead of emerging threats,” Adeduntan assured.
Industry experts have lauded FirstBank’s proactive approach to digital transformation, noting that the financial institution continues to play a pioneering role in shaping Nigeria’s banking landscape. Over its 130-year history, the bank has consistently demonstrated adaptability and resilience, evolving from a traditional brick-and-mortar institution into a leader in digital finance.
According to recent data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over 38 million Nigerians remain financially excluded, with limited access to formal financial services. FirstBank’s initiatives, analysts say, are critical to bridging this gap and achieving the CBN’s target of 95% financial inclusion by 2025.
The bank’s Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Chuma Ezirim, highlighted that FirstBank’s digital solutions are designed to cater to the needs of different customer categories, from unbanked individuals to large corporations. “We’re developing products that are simple, reliable, and accessible. Whether you’re a market trader using USSD or a tech entrepreneur using our mobile app, we have solutions that suit your lifestyle and financial goals,” he explained.
He also noted that the bank is collaborating with fintech firms, startups, and payment service providers to expand its digital ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships, FirstBank aims to accelerate innovation and offer more personalized products to customers across various sectors.
In addition to its technological drive, FirstBank continues to emphasize financial literacy as a key component of its inclusion agenda. The bank regularly organizes community outreach programs, workshops, and digital education initiatives aimed at teaching people how to use financial tools safely and effectively.
“Financial inclusion is not just about access; it’s about empowerment. We want people to understand how to manage their money, grow their businesses, and make informed financial decisions,” Ezirim added.
The bank’s digital transformation efforts have also been recognized with several awards for excellence in innovation, customer service, and social impact. Its success in scaling digital solutions has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s cashless economy agenda and has positioned the bank as a major driver of the country’s fintech revolution.
Analysts believe that FirstBank’s continued focus on digital banking will enhance competition in the financial sector, lower transaction costs, and improve efficiency. With the rapid adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration in Nigeria, digital banking is expected to become the dominant mode of financial interaction in the coming years.
Furthermore, the bank’s expansion into regional markets through its African subsidiaries is expected to strengthen cross-border payments and trade across the continent. This aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda, which seeks to boost intra-African commerce through financial integration.
Adeduntan reaffirmed that the bank’s long-term vision remains to be Africa’s most trusted partner in digital financial solutions. “We are not just building a digital bank; we are building a financial ecosystem that connects people, businesses, and opportunities. Our mission is to ensure that every Nigerian, no matter where they live, can access banking services that improve their quality of life,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to embrace the digital economy, FirstBank’s sustained innovation and customer-centric approach place it at the forefront of transforming how financial services are delivered. By combining advanced technology with deep local understanding, the bank is helping to redefine the future of banking—one digital connection at a time.
In conclusion, FirstBank’s commitment to bridging financial inclusion gaps through digital solutions reflects a broader national agenda for inclusive growth and economic resilience. With initiatives like FirstMonie, FirstMobile, and other tech-driven services, the bank is not only transforming the financial landscape but also empowering millions of Nigerians to achieve economic independence in an increasingly digital world.
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