FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial services provider, has once again claimed the prestigious title of Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, held in London. This back-to-back win solidifies the bank’s reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable banking and financial inclusion.
Recognized globally, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence honor institutions that lead with innovation, impact, and strategic execution. FirstBank’s consistent integration of ESG principles across its operations, lending practices, and social interventions set it apart in a competitive field.
Key ESG Achievements That Secured the Win
✅ Sustainable Financing:
In 2024 alone, FirstBank screened over ₦3 trillion worth of transactions—237 in total—for ESG-related risks, embedding sustainability into its credit evaluation process.
🌱 Environmental Stewardship:
Through a partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), the bank launched a nationwide tree planting campaign. The first phase saw over 30,000 trees planted across 16 locations, with a 2025 goal of 50,000 trees—estimated to offset 720 tonnes of CO₂.
👩🏽 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
FirstBank’s FirstGem initiative disbursed more than ₦43 billion in loans to women-led businesses in 2024, promoting gender equity and economic participation.
💳 Driving Financial Inclusion:
The FirstMonie agent network facilitated transactions exceeding ₦9 trillion, expanding access to banking services in underserved communities.
📚 ESG Capacity Building:
Over 9,000 staff were trained on sustainability, while 2,000+ SMEs and corporates benefited from ESG-focused webinars. The FirstBank Women Network also supported 2,000+ female professionals in leadership and development.
Leadership Speaks on the Win
Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, remarked:
“This award reflects our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive future. Our ESG strategy is anchored on three core pillars: health and education, diversity and financial inclusion, and climate-conscious practices.”
He added:
“We’ll continue to champion initiatives that deliver measurable impact, drive inclusive growth, and uplift communities across Nigeria and beyond.”
As FirstBank continues its journey toward becoming Africa’s bank of first choice, this latest recognition underscores its leadership in responsible banking, innovation, and community-focused growth. The back-to-back Euromoney ESG win is not just a milestone—it’s a mandate to lead with purpose.
