FirstBank has been named Nigeria’s Best Bank in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) by Euromoney, recognising its commitment to sustainable investments and innovative financial solutions in Nigeria.
The award honours the bank’s significant progress in implementing an ESG management system, which has screened over N4.2 trillion in new transactions for potential ESG risks.
FirstBank supports Nigeria’s green transition with two initiatives: a $10 million solar energy project, offering pay-as-you-go off-grid solutions in Africa and Asia, and a N16 billion commitment to build four modular independent power plants for a major brewer, transitioning it from diesel generators to more sustainable energy and lowering production costs.
Additionally, FirstBank started a tree-planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation to plant over 50,000 trees in 2024, demonstrating the bank’s dedication to ESG as a business agenda.
Expressing her delight at the recognition, the group head of marketing and corporate communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said: “We are thrilled to receive the Euromoney Award for Nigeria’s Best Bank in ESG. This recognition is a testament to the power of enabling Giants in our employees, businesses, and communities to achieve success. At FirstBank, we believe that sustainability is a driver for growth and innovation. Our approach to sustainability is built on three pillars: Citizenship, Stakeholder Management, and Impact Management.
“This award validates our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders, and we are committed to advancing continuous positive impact in the marketplace, workplace, environment, and communities we serve.”
According to Euromoney, the “Awards for Excellence” – is the definitive annual awards programme of the global banking industry. The awards represent the highest distinction to the banks and bankers who matter most in an industry where differentiation is highly sought after and exceptionally difficult to demonstrate.”
Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty, Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best Bank in Africa, Best Private Bank in Nigeria, and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa by Global Finance, for its exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations.
