Sustainability has emerged as a central focus for businesses and governments worldwide, prompting organisations to balance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations with growth and innovation. In Nigeria, FirstBank has become a leading example, advancing ESG initiatives across renewable energy, financial literacy, environmental conservation, and diversity.
The bank’s sustainability strategy is anchored on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.
In 2025, FirstBank invested over $9 million in solar home projects across Africa, delivering clean, affordable energy to communities. The bank also supported modular power plants with more than N15 billion, improving energy access and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, FirstBank fulfilled a three-year commitment with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation to plant 51,000 trees nationwide, absorbing approximately 720 tonnes of CO₂ and promoting biodiversity.
Beyond environmental efforts, the bank has impacted over 1 million students with financial literacy programmes, equipping them with skills for informed financial decision-making. FirstBank partnered with CFA Society Nigeria on the CFA Universities Ethics Challenge and supported the 15th Junior Achievement Company of the Year competition, presenting the CEO award to Team Mauritius (Plantura).
FirstBank has also advanced workplace diversity and inclusion, investing in leadership development for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network. In 2025, the bank screened 340 corporate transactions for ESG risks totaling nearly ₦5 billion and $340 million, integrating sustainability into its credit framework.
The bank’s commitment has earned international recognition, including being named Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence for the second consecutive year.
FirstBank demonstrates climate governance leadership as a corporate member of the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) Nigeria, serving on the Advisory Board and Steering Committee. The bank has participated in Directors’ Engagement Series and led adoption of IFRS S1 and S2 standards for transparent sustainability reporting, enhancing board oversight through its Board Risk Management Committee.
Looking ahead, FirstBank plans to expand its sustainability footprint through innovative solutions, increased renewable energy investment, broader financial literacy programmes, and the promotion of sustainable business practices, positioning itself as a model for financial institutions across Africa.
