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Recognised for leadership in sustainable finance and inclusive growth
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution, has once again been named Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 held in London. This marks the bank’s second consecutive ESG win, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in sustainable banking and financial inclusion in Nigeria.
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The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are among the most prestigious recognitions in the global financial industry. Recipients are selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on impact-driven metrics, strategic execution, and sustainable outcomes.
Over ₦3 Trillion Transactions Screened for ESG Risks in 2024
FirstBank earned this accolade through its embedded sustainability framework. In 2024 alone, the bank screened 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for environmental and social risks. These transactions showcased its commitment to responsible lending and ESG integration across all credit processes.
Driving Climate Action: 50,000 Tree Initiative
In partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), FirstBank launched a tree-planting campaign targeting 50,000 trees. By the end of the first phase, over 30,000 trees were planted in 16 locations across Nigeria. They are projected to absorb 720 tonnes of CO₂ by 2025, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to climate resilience.
Empowering Women and Promoting Inclusive Finance
Through its Gender Market Strategy, FirstBank disbursed over ₦43 billion in FirstGem loans to women-owned businesses in 2024. Its agent banking platform, FirstMonie, facilitated transactions exceeding ₦9 trillion, reflecting deep penetration into underserved communities and support for inclusive economic participation.
Building ESG Capacity and Workforce Diversity
FirstBank also demonstrated strong investment in ESG-related human capital development, training over 9,000 employees, and engaging 2,000 SMEs and corporates via targeted ESG webinars and workshops. Additionally, the FirstBank Women Network supported leadership development for over 2,000 female employees, advancing gender equity within the financial sector.
Sustainability Anchored on Education, Inclusion, and Climate
Commenting on the award, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, said:
“Winning this award for the second year in a row validates our commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. Our ESG strategy is centered around three key pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.”
He added,
“We will continue to drive meaningful impact and inclusive growth through responsible banking that changes lives and communities for the better.”
FirstBank: Leading with Purpose and Innovation
FirstBank’s consistent success in ESG and sustainable finance is part of its broader vision to become Africa’s bank of first choice, delivering impact through innovation, responsibility, and purpose-driven leadership.
