The FCMB facility provides loans ranging from N500,000 to N5 million under a general category and N5 million to N10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50 per cent of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a zero per cent interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure. Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, managing director and chief executive of FCMB, said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively. Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers. This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, group head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at FCMB.

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions,” Ogogo said.

With up to three years of repayment, this loan aims to ease financial pressures, allowing businesses to allocate more funds to growth and operations.

The bank in a statement said the loan enhancement is part of its mission to promote sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria, supporting the country’s net-zero goals for 2060.

The offering, the statement added, also helps offset the increased energy costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy, reinforcing its commitment to climate action and reliable power access.

Yemisi Edun, the managing director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB, said upgrading their energy finance loan will boost Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

She added,;

“This loan gives households and businesses easy access to affordable funding for clean energy solutions, supporting sustainable growth. It also helps offset the rising fuel prices caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy. At FCMB, we’re committed to helping people and businesses succeed while backing the government’s push for a stable and sustainable power supply.”

Group Head of Business Banking at FCMB, George Ogbonnaya said,

“At FCMB, we are dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Our new energy finance loan helps businesses and homes access clean energy. It is affordable, accessible through a simple digital process, and designed to support job creation, boost our economy, and promote environmental sustainability.”

FCMB has led the way in advancing renewable energy through funding, capacity-building programmes, and linking clean energy providers with consumers.

Over the last three years, FCMB has financed numerous projects, from solar and mini-grids to energy-efficient plants. The bank has also provided free training to support development in the sector.