FirstBank Retains Top Spot as Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG at 2025 Euromoney Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution, has once again been recognized as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held recently in London. This marks the bank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking.

A Benchmark of Excellence in Sustainable Banking

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most esteemed accolades in global finance, with winners selected through a rigorous evaluation process that assesses performance against strategic and impact-driven criteria. FirstBank’s recognition underscores its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, embedded across its operations and community initiatives.

In 2024, the bank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework. This proactive approach has positioned FirstBank as a trailblazer in responsible banking.

Key Sustainability Initiatives Driving Impact

Among its flagship projects, FirstBank launched a tree-planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees across 16 locations in Nigeria. This initiative, part of a broader 50,000-tree goal, is projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, bolstering climate resilience and biodiversity preservation.

The bank has also championed gender inclusion through its FirstGem loan program, disbursing over ₦43 billion to women-led businesses in 2024. Additionally, its FirstMonie agent network facilitated transactions worth over ₦9 trillion, enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria.

Building ESG Capacity and Leadership

FirstBank has prioritized ESG education, training over 9,000 employees and hosting webinars and workshops for more than 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s FirstBank Women Network has empowered over 2,000 female employees, fostering leadership diversity and strengthening its workforce for the evolving ESG landscape.

Leadership Perspective on the Achievement

Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, commented on the award:

“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which validates our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is built on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.”

He emphasized the bank’s dedication to driving meaningful change through purposeful initiatives, ensuring inclusive growth across Nigeria and beyond.

FirstBank’s Legacy and Global Footprint

Established in 1894, FirstBank is Nigeria’s oldest and most trusted financial institution, with a presence in three continents—Africa, Europe, and Asia. Its subsidiaries include:

• FirstBank UK Limited (London and Paris)
• FirstBank branches in DR Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone
• FBNBank in Senegal
• A Representative Office in Beijing, China

The bank serves over 43 million customer accounts, including digital wallets, and operates through 820 business offices and 280,000 agent locations across Nigeria.

Digital Innovation and Financial Inclusion

FirstBank has been a pioneer in digital banking, issuing over 13 million cards—the first Nigerian bank to achieve this milestone. Its *894# USSD banking code has enrolled over 25 million active users, driving cashless transactions nationwide.

Recent Awards and Recognitions

FirstBank’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including:

• Best SME Bank in Africa and Nigeria (2024, 2025) – The Asian Banker
• Best Private Bank in Nigeria (2024, 2025) – Global Finance Awards
• Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria (2024) – Global Banking and Finance Awards
• Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs (2025) – Annual Global Economics Awards

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Growth

FirstBank remains steadfast in its mission to be “Africa’s Bank of First Choice”, guided by its core values of Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation, and Customer-Centricity (EPIC). With a strategic focus on accelerated growth through customer-led innovation, the bank continues to set benchmarks in ESG and sustainable finance.

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