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FirstBank of Nigeria has once again secured 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 marks the bank’s second consecutive win in the ESG category, reinforcing its industry leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking practices.
Renowned for its rigorous evaluation criteria, the Euromoney Awards are among the most respected recognitions in global finance, spotlighting institutions that demonstrate outstanding impact and strategic excellence.
Commenting on the achievement, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, attributed the accolade to the bank’s deep-rooted ESG integration across its operations. In 2024 alone, FirstBank assessed 237 transactions worth over ₦3 trillion for sustainability risks, embedding ESG principles into its credit evaluation process.
Among its notable sustainability projects, the bank launched a nationwide tree-planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations. This initiative is part of a broader 50,000-tree plan expected to sequester around 720 tonnes of CO₂ by end of 2025, bolstering climate resilience and biodiversity.
On the social inclusion front, FirstBank disbursed more than ₦43 billion in FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024, under its Gender Market Strategy. Its FirstMonie agents also processed transactions exceeding ₦9 trillion, highlighting the bank’s reach in driving financial inclusion.
Capacity building remains central to its ESG agenda, with over 9,000 employees receiving sustainability training. Additionally, its webinars and workshops have engaged over 2,000 SMEs and corporate clients on ESG best practices.
Akhidenor also highlighted the bank’s internal diversity efforts, particularly its investment in leadership training for over 2,000 female staff members through the FirstBank Women Network—further demonstrating its structural commitment to ESG-aligned workforce development.
“We are honoured to be recognised once again for our ESG leadership. This award reaffirms our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future,” Akhidenor said. “Our ESG approach rests on three key pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate action.”
He reaffirmed that FirstBank’s ESG strategy remains aligned with its vision to be Africa’s bank of first choice—driving impact through purpose-driven innovation and inclusive growth.
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