Key Highlights
- First Bank of Nigeria has disbursed over ₦43 billion through FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024.
- The bank completed a three-year campaign planting 50,000 trees across Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
- FirstBank has invested over $9 million in solar home projects and committed more than N15 billion to modular power plants.
- Over 340 corporate transactions have been screened for ESG risks by FirstBank.
- More than 1 million students have gained financial literacy skills through FirstBank's educational programs.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and social inclusion, earning it the title of Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Euromoney Awards.
The bank's environmental efforts include a three-year tree-planting initiative that concluded in November 2025, successfully planting 50,000 trees nationwide in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). This campaign aligns with the Paris Agreement and Nigeria’s Green Recovery Plan.
The initiative saw an increase in planted trees, starting with 1,000 in 2023, growing to 30,000 in 2024, and concluding with 20,000 planted during the 2025 CR&S Week. These trees are expected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience.
Beyond tree planting, FirstBank has invested over $9 million in solar home projects across Africa. It has also committed more than N15 billion to modular power plants, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy access.
On the social front, FirstBank's gender inclusion strategy has been robust. In 2024 alone, over ₦43 billion was disbursed through its FirstGem loans specifically for women-led businesses. Additionally, over 2,000 female employees have benefited from leadership development programs facilitated by the FirstBank Women Network.
The bank is also set to launch a significant initiative for visually impaired and physically challenged customers. This program will introduce braille transaction documents, audio-format brochures, ATMs with voice-prompt commands, and tactile motif cards, aiming to set a new standard for inclusive banking in Nigeria.
FirstBank's sustainability framework is built on three core pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives. The bank has screened 340 corporate transactions for ESG risks and provided sustainability training to over 9,000 employees.
Furthermore, FirstBank's educational programs have reached over one million students, equipping them with essential financial literacy skills. The bank's commitment to sustainability is underscored by its substantial investments and intentional approach to driving meaningful change.
