Union Bank of Nigeria has received the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025, further strengthening its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading supporters of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The award was presented by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria during the Nigeria National SME Business Awards recently held in Lagos.
The recognition highlights the bank’s leadership in supporting SME development through innovative financial solutions designed to promote business growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, the Head of the SME Segment at Union Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, described the honour as a validation of the bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible,” Abraham said.
He explained that the bank has improved its specialised digital platforms, including Union360, to reduce onboarding time for business customers and enhance transaction efficiency.
“Through enhancements to our specialised platforms, such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting,” he added.
According to Abraham, the digital upgrades have contributed to increased adoption of digital banking solutions among SME customers while also accelerating the acquisition of new business clients.
“Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive,” he stated.
The Nigeria National SME Business Awards, organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to celebrate organisations contributing positively to Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.
Founded in 1917, Union Bank remains one of Nigeria’s oldest financial institutions. Guided by its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy, the bank operates more than 300 branches nationwide and offers a wide range of services, including mobile banking, trade finance, and equipment leasing solutions.
The award further underscores Union Bank’s role in supporting entrepreneurship and driving economic growth through accessible and technology-driven banking services.
