FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and key player in financial inclusion across West Africa, has been named 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 second consecutive year that FirstBank has received this accolade, reaffirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking nationwide.
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most esteemed honors in the global financial industry. The selection process is highly competitive, involving rigorous analysis and assessments based on strategic performance and impact.
FirstBank received the award for its robust sustainability commitments integrated throughout its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, the bank evaluated 237 transactions valued at over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, embedding ESG considerations into its credit framework.
Among its notable sustainability initiatives is a tree planting campaign conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), during which over 30,000 trees were planted across 16 locations nationwide. This is the first phase of a larger 50,000-tree project expected to sequester approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ by the end of 2025, supporting climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The bank has also demonstrated a strong commitment to gender inclusion through its Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over ₦43 billion in FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024. Additionally, FirstBank’s inclusive banking efforts are reflected in transactions facilitated via FirstMonie agents, which exceeded ₦9 trillion.
ESG capacity building remains a priority, with more than 9,000 employees trained and over 2,000 SMEs and corporate clients reached through webinars and workshops. The FirstBank Women Network continues to foster leadership among over 2,000 female employees, exemplifying the bank’s dedication to cultivating a diverse workforce responsive to evolving ESG challenges.
Commenting on the award, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, stated, “We are honored to receive this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. It affirms our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all stakeholders. Our sustainability approach is anchored on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.”
He further emphasized, “We remain dedicated to impactful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”
FirstBank’s consistent success in ESG and sustainability underscores its vision to be Africa’s most trusted bank—leading with purpose, responsibility, and innovation.
