Since launching its first digital loan in August 2019, FirstBank has revolutionised how Nigerians access credit.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the Bank built a resilient, automated lending ecosystem that bypasses traditional barriers to finance, such as collateral requirements, paperwork, or even face-to-face interaction.

This approach has opened the door to 1.5 million unique borrowers, including salary earners, non-salary earners, and micro-entrepreneurs, who now enjoy seamless, secure, and on-demand access to credit through FirstAdvance, FirstCredit, and AgentCredit.

Whether via 894# USSD, the FirstMobile App, LitApp, or the FirstMonie Agent platform, users can receive funds instantly, often within seconds.

“This milestone is not just about numbers,” said Chuma Ezirim, group executive, e-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank.“ It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer empowerment, and financial inclusion. We are proud to be enabling the dreams of millions by offering real-time access to credit, particularly to those often excluded from traditional banking channels.”

FirstBank currently disburses over ₦1 billion daily in digital loans, a powerful indication of growing demand for responsive, tech-driven financial services across Nigeria.

Transforming Credit Access for the Underserved

At the heart of FirstBank’s digital lending strategy is the vision to empower everyday Nigerians, whether it’s a small trader in Kano needing a quick top-up to restock inventory or a young professional in Lagos managing end-of-month expenses.

These solutions offer more than convenience; they foster financial resilience and economic participation for individuals who may otherwise be excluded from formal credit systems.

“We will continue to scale our digital lending services, particularly in underserved and high-risk customer segments,”Ezirim added. “Our goal is to democratise credit access, responsibly, securely, and at scale.”

As Nigeria continues to digitise its economy, FirstBank remains a catalyst in ensuring that financial technology meets financial empowerment.

Through continued investment in intelligent infrastructure and customer-centric product design, the Bank is helping Nigerians not only access loans, but build confidence, improve livelihoods, and unlock opportunities.

*To learn more about FirstBank’s digital loan services, visit here or dial *894# to get started.

In a two month Transact and Win campaign that started on November 22, 2021, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is rewarding several customers for carrying out transactions on its Firstmonie Wallet application.

The e-wallet is useful for conveniently paying utility bills, purchasing airtime and data, transferring and receiving money, and many other digital transactions.

Just for using the mobile-friendly wallet app, Customers got rewarded with mouth-watering prizes both in cash and kind. The number of transactions done on the app determines the price a user could win.

100 customers who had done 1-15 transactions through Firstmonie Wallet within the month won N10,000 cash price; 53 25kg bags of rice and 50 units of standing fans were also won by customers who carried out 16 – 30 transactions with the Firstmonie Wallet; 2 units of power generating sets, 1 unit of Air Conditioning systems and 1 unit LED Televisions went to customers who carried 31 – 50 transactions; while 2 units of iPhone 12 were won by customers who had carried out over 50 transactions on the app within the month.

Victor Nnanna Onyedikachi, a student of the University of Abuja was one of the winners of the iPhone 12, and while receiving his gift, he admitted that he did not expect to win the prize.

“I used the Firstmonie Wallet App, and just like that, I was told that I had qualified. I did not believe it until I saw it myself. I am truly grateful to FirstBank” he said.

Other winners also expressed their pleasure at being rewarded for using a completely user-friendly app.

“There is no issue of service error when using it for any transaction. The service is seamless and the app is easy to use” one of them said.

The Group Executive, e-Business & Retail products, Mr Chuma Ezirim had noted that the promo was targeted at appreciating customers for their patronage; and in line with the Bank’s December-is-a-Vybe campaign.

“This promo is hinged on the need to appreciate our customers for their patronage, especially as we have had an increased engagement and usages of the various services offered by our mobile-friendly wallet product,” Ezirim said when the promo was being launched.

Interestingly, the promo also includes new customers and users of the app. By simply downloading the mobile app from the play store, or using the *894# USSD string to sign up, anyone can qualify for the promo.

The promo runs till January 22, 2022, so what are you waiting for as you could be the next winner of any of these fantastic prizes.

As the premier Bank in West Africa and the leading financial inclusion services provider in Nigeria for over 127 years, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has remained at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country, and the Firstmonie Wallet is one of the channels for digital transactions.

Little wonder FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” six times in a row (2011 – 2016) by the globally renowned “The Banker Magazine” and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” for seven consecutive years (2011 – 2017) by the Asian Banker International.

FirstBank also bagged the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards and “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance for 15 years.