First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been named Nigeria’s Best SME-Focused Bank for 2025, following new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) data confirming it as the largest lender to small businesses in 2024. The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) presented the award at its 60th Annual Bankers’ Dinner in Lagos, noting that FCMB accounted for 24% of the banking sector’s total N1.8 trillion SME loan disbursements.
CIBN said the recognition reflects FCMB’s strong support for key growth sectors highlighted in the Q3 2024 GDP report, including crop production, trade, telecoms, real estate, and food and beverages. The institute added that its evaluation relied on CBN monitoring of banks’ contributions to the enterprise ecosystem.
Also Read: Police Warn Against Fake Security Alerts in Ogun
FCMB said its SME interventions focus on the “real engines of the economy,” backed by training, advisory services and strategic partnerships that help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.
FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun, represented by Executive Director Obaro Odeghe, said the award affirms the bank’s commitment to empowering small businesses. CIBN also honoured FCMB staff member Tooritsemoshe Ojei with the Next Generation Class of 2025 Award.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.