FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and a leading provider of financial inclusion services, has once again reaffirmed its position as a frontrunner in sustainability and responsible banking. The Bank was recently named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, held in London. This marks the second consecutive year that FirstBank has secured the prestigious title, underlining its commitment to sustainable finance and long-term community impact.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most prestigious awards in the global financial industry, recognizing institutions that demonstrate market leadership, innovation, and meaningful societal contributions. The awards’ rigorous selection process evaluates banks on their financial performance and on strategic initiatives and ESG-driven impact, making FirstBank’s win a testament to its holistic approach to banking.

In 2024, FirstBank integrated ESG principles deeply into its operations, particularly in its credit and lending framework. The Bank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, ensuring that financed projects are in sync with environmental and social standards. This proactive approach reduces exposure to non-compliant activities and reflects FirstBank’s commitment to responsible banking.

The Bank has also championed climate-focused initiatives as part of its sustainability agenda. One flagship program is its tree-planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF). During the first phase, 30,000 trees were planted in 16 locations across Nigeria, with a total target of 50,000 trees by 2025. This project is expected to absorb around 720 tonnes of CO₂, enhancing climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

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Alongside environmental initiatives, social impact and financial inclusion remain central to FirstBank’s ESG strategy. Through its Gender Market Strategy, the Bank disbursed over ₦43 billion in FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024, empowering female entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality in economic participation. In parallel, the Bank’s FirstMonie agent network facilitated over ₦9 trillion in transactions, expanding access to financial services for underserved communities across the country.

FirstBank also places strong emphasis on capacity building and ESG literacy for its workforce and stakeholders. In 2024, it trained over 9,000 employees on sustainability and ESG principles, ensuring that staff can implement best practices across operations. Additionally, more than 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate clients benefited from the Bank’s webinars and workshops, equipping them to adopt responsible business models.

Diversity and leadership development remain embedded in the Bank’s culture. Through the FirstBank Women Network, over 2,000 female employees participated in leadership and professional development programs, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to an inclusive and future-ready workforce.

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Speaking on the recognition, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, expressed pride in the Bank’s achievement. “We are honoured to receive this award for the second consecutive year, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders,” he said. “Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.”

As FirstBank continues to align with global ESG standards, its achievements reflect a strategic vision to drive inclusive growth and climate-conscious banking in Nigeria and beyond. The Bank’s leadership in sustainable finance and innovation ensures it remains Africa’s bank of first choice, balancing profitability with purpose and responsibility.

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Source: Nigeria Communications Week