FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has announced a groundbreaking initiative to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged individuals across its entire network. This move reinforces the bank’s long-standing commitment to financial inclusion, accessibility, and diversity, positioning it as a leader in inclusive banking across West Africa.
The initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader sustainability and inclusion strategy, aimed at ensuring that every customer, regardless of physical ability, can access financial services independently, securely, and with dignity.
According to Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, the bank is focused on removing barriers to financial access:
Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We are providing solutions that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints.
The rollout will be phased across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Key features of the initiative include:
- Braille, audio, large print, and digital formats for transaction documents
- ATMs equipped with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands
- Debit cards with tactile motifs and braille inscriptions
- Enhanced soft PINs and secure tokens for accessible digital banking
- Product brochures in accessible formats to support informed decision-making
This inclusive banking model aligns with both the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate for equal access to financial services for all.
FirstBank’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its internal culture and workforce composition. Women represent 41% of employees and hold 37% of management roles. The bank also runs the FirstBank Women Network, an internal initiative designed to promote female leadership and close the gender gap.
Its membership in UN Women further affirms its alignment with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), which promote equal opportunity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Established in 1894, FirstBank is the oldest and one of the most respected financial institutions in West Africa. With operations spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia, the bank serves over 43 million customer accounts through more than 820 business offices and 280,000 agent locations across 772 local government areas in Nigeria.
The bank has issued over 13 million cards and onboarded more than 25 million customers on its digital platforms, including the widely used USSD banking service (*894#). It also offers pension fund custody services through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee services via First Nominees Nigeria Limited.
FirstBank has earned numerous accolades for its performance, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. In 2024 and 2025, the bank was named:
- Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Africa by The Asian Banker
- Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa by Global Finance
- SME Financier of the Year by The Digital Banker
- Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG and Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
With a strategic ambition to deliver accelerated growth through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution, FirstBank continues to set the benchmark for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking across Africa.
