Fidelity Bank – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Wed, 13 May 2026 07:37:24 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Fidelity Bank – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Fidelity Bank Grows Earnings by 45% in FY 2025, Shareholders’ Funds Hit N1trn https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-grows-earnings-by-45-in-fy-2025-shareholders-funds-hit-n1trn/ https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-grows-earnings-by-45-in-fy-2025-shareholders-funds-hit-n1trn/#respond Wed, 13 May 2026 07:37:24 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=181525 Fidelity Bank Plc has reported a 45 percent increase in gross earnings for the 2025 financial year, as the lender’s shareholders’ funds crossed the N1 trillion mark following sustained balance sheet expansion and fresh capital injection.

Analysis from the audited financial statements for the FY 2025 ended December 31, 2025, reveals that Fidelity Bank delivered robust results across key financial metrics, including Gross Earnings, which stood at N1.5 trillion, up from N1,04 trillion reported in 2024.

Net Interest Income rose to N831.3 billion, compared to N629.7 billion in 2024, reflecting the bank’s stronger earnings capacity amid elevated interest rates and growth in interest-earning assets.

Interest and similar income calculated using the effective interest rate rose by 38.7 percent to N1.11 trillion in 2025 from N803.05 billion in 2024, while other interest and similar income increased by 25.1 percent to N184.51 billion.

Net interest income after credit loss also rose significantly by 41.2 percent to N809.74 billion from N573.33 billion.

The bank also recorded an improvement in asset quality costs, as credit loss expense moderated to N21.61 billion from N56.44 billion, representing a 61.7 percent improvement year-on-year.

Fidelity Bank continued to expand its digital banking footprint, enhance customer experience, and support key sectors of the economy.

Non-interest revenue performance remained strong during the FY 2025, with fee and commission income increasing by 44.7 percent to N113.36 billion from N78.36 billion.

This was driven by letters of credit commissions and fees (N12.5 billion), ATM charges fees (N11.6 billion), commission on travellers’ cheques and foreign bills (N8.9 billion), accounts maintenance charge (N7.13 billion and commission on E-banking activities (N2.2 billion),

Other operating income rose by 200.5 percent to N8.24 billion, while foreign currency revaluation gains surged by 749.9 percent to N99.58 billion from N11.72 billion in 2024.

Fidelity Bank’s investment assets expanded significantly during the year, reflecting the bank’s stronger positioning in fixed income and other securities markets.

Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) rose by 199 percent to N557.78 billion from N186.57 billion, while debt instruments at amortised cost increased by 27.2 percent to N1.97 trillion from N1.55 trillion. Equity instruments at FVOCI also rose by 26.2 percent to N87.85 billion.

The bank also recorded gains from financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), which increased by 280.7 percent to N2.75 billion. A new gain of N988 million from derecognition activities was also recorded during the period.

On the balance sheet side, cash and cash equivalents increased sharply by 87 percent to N1.32 trillion from N707.45 billion, indicating stronger liquidity buffers. Restricted balances with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also rose to N1.65 trillion from N1.59 trillion.

Other assets increased by 76.4 percent to N278.89 billion, while investments in property, plant, and equipment rose by 161.6 percent to N203.72 billion. Intangible assets climbed by 147.5 percent to N50.44 billion, indicating continued investment in technology and operational infrastructure. Deferred tax assets also increased significantly to N33.10 billion from N5.31 billion.

The bank further reduced debts issued and other borrowed funds to N888.95 billion from N929.60 billion, reflecting lower reliance on external borrowings. Deferred tax liabilities declined completely from N727 million in 2024 to zero in 2025.

The lender’s total assets grew by 18.6 percent to N10.46 trillion from N8.82 trillion, driven by growth in liquid assets and investment securities. Customer deposits rose by 16.1 percent to N6.89 trillion from N5.94 trillion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and expansion in the bank’s funding base.

Fidelity Bank also strengthened its capital position during the year as total equity increased by 21.1 percent to N1.09 trillion from N897.87 billion, pushing shareholders’ funds above the N1 trillion mark, reinforcing the lender’s capacity to support larger transactions, absorb shocks, and expand its regional and international banking ambitions.

The bank disclosed that it completed a private placement of 12.9 billion ordinary shares in December 2025, raising fresh capital that increased eligible capital to N532.6 billion, above the Central Bank of Nigeria’s N500 billion minimum requirement for banks with international authorisation.

The exercise increased total issued shares from 50.2 billion units to 63.17 billion units, significantly boosting shareholders’ funds beyond the N1 trillion threshold.

The stronger capital base is expected to improve the lender’s capacity to finance larger transactions, expand lending activities, and support future regional growth opportunities.

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Nigeria’s CardForté Turns Five, Showcasing Impact on Domestic Payment Infrastructure https://techeconomy.ng/nigerias-cardforte-turns-five-showcasing-impact-on-domestic-payment-infrastructure/ https://techeconomy.ng/nigerias-cardforte-turns-five-showcasing-impact-on-domestic-payment-infrastructure/#respond Fri, 01 May 2026 10:35:27 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180904 For Nigeria’s rapidly expanding financial sector, the true bottleneck to scaling has rarely been user acquisition; it has been the physical infrastructure of payments.

On April 24, 2026, at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi, CardForté Limited marked its 5th anniversary by gathering the titans of the Nigerian payments industry to address this reality.

The event underscored a critical shift in the ecosystem: local card manufacturing is no longer just a patriotic alternative. It is the strategic backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The exclusive Leadership Breakfast, hosted by Gbenga Aborowa, convened executives from tier-1 banks, leading fintechs, domestic and regional card schemes.

The gathering moved beyond celebratory remarks to tackle the hard questions facing the industry through three high-impact panel sessions, a football tournament among industry teams, and an evening anniversary dinner.

The morning opened with the “Local vs. Global: The Battle for the Nigerian Wallet” panel, moderated by Unyime Tommy, Managing Partner at Assurdly.

The discussion tackled the tension between domestic schemes and international giants. Grace Adeniyi, Divisional Head of Governance and Regional Operations at Verve International, and Ugo Obasi, E.D/Chief Commercial Officer of AfriGOPay, articulated the strategic necessity of local schemes in mitigating foreign exchange exposure for issuing banks.

They were joined by Celestina Appeal, Head of Card Business and Solutions at Zenith Bank, who provided the issuer’s perspective on balancing the national mandate for domestic cards with the consumer demand for global acceptance. A key consensus emerged: with over 95 percent of transactions occurring domestically, the economic argument for local card issuance is undeniable.

The conversation then pivoted to the last mile of financial access in the “Financial Inclusion and Agency Banking” session, moderated by Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO of Zest Payments and Chairman of FinTechNGR. Femi Davies, Senior Vice President of Cards at Moniepoint and Bode Oyegoke, General Manager of Payments and Ecosystems at MTN Group, debated the unit economics of agency banking and the evolution of the agent network from basic cash-in/cash-out services to comprehensive financial touchpoints.

Temitope AkinFadeyi joined the discussion, and the panelists explored how agency banking has brought millions of Nigerians into the financial system, while acknowledging the challenges of fraud prevention, agent liquidity, and consumer protection that come with rapid scale.

The final panel, “Beyond the Card,” moderated by Jimmy Banjoko, Head of Acquiring and Channels Management at GTBank, explored the future form factors of payments. Nnamdi Azodo, Group Head of Card Business at Sterling Bank, Lanre Ogundare, Head of Card Business and Solutions at Providus Bank, and Wale Sogeyinbo, Head of Payment Processing and Acquiring at Wema Bank, dissected the slow adoption of tokenization and TapToPay in Nigeria.

CardForté celebrates 5th anniversary

The panelists acknowledged that while digital and contactless payments are the future, the physical card remains an absolute imperative for the present, primarily driven by issuer costs and infrastructure readiness.

The celebration extended well beyond the panel sessions. Teams from Sterling Bank, Providus Bank, Verve International, PalmPay, and Card Centre Nigeria Limited (CCNL) participated in a competitive football tournament. PalmPay took home the trophy, reinforcing the spirit of partnership and camaraderie that has defined CardForté’s relationships across the industry.

Beyond the high-level discourse, the event highlighted CardForté’s quiet but massive impact on the sector. Tunde Aka-Bashorun, Executive Director at CardForté, revealed that since its inception in April 2021, the company has manufactured over 27 million cards for more than 150 clients, serving as the critical launch partner for numerous fintechs and first-time issuers.

“Our graduate trainee programme has seen us absorb approximately 45 percent of our personnel from the NYSC level to full staff. CardForté maintains 100 percent local staff. Rather than hire foreign talent, we send our people to acquire knowledge, return, and transmit it internally,” Aka-Bashorun stated.

Seun Lawal, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CardForté, closed the event by framing the company’s mission within the broader context of national sovereignty.

“One of the biggest values we have created is local capability,” Lawal noted. “For a long time, there was a mindset that if something is high-value, technical, or security-sensitive, it must come from outside Nigeria. We have challenged that thinking by showing that local manufacturing, when done to the right standard, can deliver quality, reliability, and innovation. It means shorter turnaround times, less dependence on imports, and greater data sovereignty because critical parts of the card ecosystem are handled locally.”

The evening anniversary dinner brought together CardForté’s shareholders, including Deji Onyinlola, Olumide Soyombo (Co-Founder of Bluechip Technologies and Founder of Voltron Capital), and Gbenga Ajayi (Partner and Head of Africa and Middle East at QED Investors), alongside board members, staff and their families. Industry partners also joined the celebration, including representatives from Providus Bank, Moniepoint, Fidelity Bank, Taj Bank, Payaza, Watchdata, Kalabash, ECP (Aegis Cards), Stanbic IBTC, Zojatech, Winich Farms, and Greychapel Legal.

CardForté celebrates 5th anniversary

The breadth of attendance was a testament not only to CardForte’s relationships across banking, technology, agriculture, and professional services, but also to the strength of the family that has been built within the company over five years.

As Nigeria’s payment landscape continues to mature, CardForte’s five-year trajectory offers a powerful blueprint: sustainable scale requires indigenous infrastructure.

By replacing imported plastic with locally manufactured smart cards, CardForte is not just supplying the fintech boom. It is securing it.

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Fitch Upgrades Fidelity Bank Rating to A+ After Capital Raise https://techeconomy.ng/fitch-upgrades-fidelity-bank-rating-to-a-after-capital-raise/ https://techeconomy.ng/fitch-upgrades-fidelity-bank-rating-to-a-after-capital-raise/#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:18:32 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=179097 The financial sector in Nigeria is adjusting to life after the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation deadline of March 31, and Fitch Ratings has delivered an early vote of confidence in Fidelity Bank Plc.

The agency upgraded the bank’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(nga)’ from ‘A(nga)’, noting stronger capital buffers, improved profitability and a more resilient balance sheet following its recent capital raise.

The upgrade points to growing confidence in the lender’s ability to operate in a high-interest-rate environment while withstanding economic shocks

Capital Injection Boosts Investor Confidence

Fidelity Bank’s recent capital raising exercise has been described as a leading moment for the institution. By meeting the new regulatory requirements ahead of the deadline, the bank has demonstrated an agility that many of its peers are still struggling to find.

Fitch noted that this successful exercise has directly strengthened the bank’s capital buffers, providing a safety net for future growth.

According to the rating agency, the bank’s strategy focused on building a resilient balance sheet.

This is underpinned by a sharp improvement in profitability metrics since 2022, as the bank benefits from higher rates due to its heavy reliance on low-cost current and savings accounts,” Fitch said.

The market has responded positively, with the bank’s shares being in top demand on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The diverse ownership and high free float have ensured that liquidity remains robust even during volatile trading sessions.

Dominance in the Retail Space

One of the standout features of Fidelity Bank’s recent performance is its grip on the retail market. With over 400,000 shareholders, the bank is building a vast base of low-cost deposits. This strategy has proven invaluable as interest rates climbed throughout 2024 and 2025.

The agency highlighted the importance of this deposit structure in their latest assessment.

It also reflects an expanding franchise, sound profitability metrics, strengthening capital buffers and good foreign-currency (FC) liquidity coverage,” the agency said.

By relying on Current and Savings Accounts (CASA), Fidelity has managed to keep its cost of funds significantly lower than competitors who depend on expensive wholesale funding.

Climbing the Ladder of Nigerian Banking

With its recent expansion and asset growth, the lender has firmly established itself as the sixth-largest bank in the country. It now accounts for approximately 5% of the total assets in the Nigerian domestic banking system, a feat that seemed distant just a few years ago.

The bank itself has attributed this success to its loyal investor base.

Speaking further in the statement, Fidelity Bank said the outcome of its capital raising reflects “investor confidence, noting that its shareholder base, which exceeds 400,000, contributed to strong participation, particularly from retail investors”.

Navigating the High-Interest Rate Environment

The Nigerian economy has been characterised by aggressive monetary tightening by the CBN to curb inflation in recent years. Fidelity Bank has positioned itself to harvest these gains by deploying its liquidity into high-yielding government securities and prime corporate lending.

Fitch’s report underscores that the bank’s ratings are driven by its standalone creditworthiness.

The bank’s strong deposit base, largely made up of low-cost current and savings accounts, supports funding stability and continued balance sheet growth,” Fitch added.

This stability is crucial at a time when foreign currency liquidity remains a concern for many Nigerian businesses. The bank’s ability to maintain good foreign-currency liquidity coverage ensures it can meet its obligations to international trade partners and local depositors alike.

A New Chapter Post-Recapitalisation

Fidelity Bank has indicated that it is now ready to take on more ambitious projects across the continent and beyond.

The bank’s leadership believes the successful capital raise has cleared the path for a new era of growth.

The group said it is now better positioned to expand its operations and meet investor expectations following the completion of the recapitalisation programme.

Industry analysts suggest that the bank might look toward more digital-heavy initiatives or further regional expansion to utilise its new capital. The stable outlook provided by Fitch suggests that, barring any major macroeconomic disasters, the bank is on a steady upward trajectory.

Stability Amidst Volatility

In a market where ratings are often downgraded due to sovereign risks, Fidelity’s upgrade stands out as a testament to institutional discipline.

The ‘B’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) remains constrained by the Nigerian financial landscape but the group’s National Rating reflects its strength relative to other local institutions.

Fitch emphasised that the upgrade was a direct result of the bank’s proactive financial management.

“Fitch Ratings says the recent upgrade of Fidelity Bank Plc reflects the lender’s strengthened capital buffers following a successful recapitalisation exercise,” the agency stated.

What This Means for the Nigerian Banking Sector

The success of Fidelity Bank sends a strong message to the rest of the industry: the recapitalisation exercise was not just a hurdle to jump over, but an opportunity to retool. As more banks announce their results and rating updates.

For the Nigerian banking public, a higher rating for a major bank like Fidelity means increased security for their deposits.

Fitch says Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raising exercise upgraded its ratings,” which serves as a green light for institutional investors looking for a safe harbour in the Nigerian financial market.

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, all eyes will be on how Fidelity deploys its newfound capital raise to gain more market share in an increasingly competitive environment.

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WorldStage Urges 80% Ad Spend for Local Media https://techeconomy.ng/worldstage-urges-80-ad-spend-for-local-media/ https://techeconomy.ng/worldstage-urges-80-ad-spend-for-local-media/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:36:03 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=178910 Mr Segun Adeleye, the president/CEO, World Stage Limited (WorldStage), has proposed that the Federal Government of Nigeria should issue an executive order to compel corporate organizations in the country to devote 80 percent of their ad budget to local media.

Adeleye sated this in his address during the recent WorldStage Nigeria’s Macro-economic Outlook 2026 presentation in Lagos.

In the speech, the WorldStage boss explored how nurturing the synergy between local media and corporate organizations can ensure steady flows of business and investment information.

President Bola Tinubu said recently that his government will cut tariffs on media equipment coming to the country, hoping to provide some relief for the media industry.

“But with media houses now transforming to offer online products and services, the extent to which they will benefit from such tariffs cut may be very minimal,” Adeleye said.

According to him, the only reasonable revenue source in the industry is advertising, whose window has been closing over the years.

He offered another look into the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy through the lens of the media sector and the local advertisers he said make profits in Nigeria but spend the bulk of their ad dollars on foreign media to look good.

“The policy can be explored to compel local businesses to prioritize the local media. This is important because many Nigeria’s blue chips spend millions of dollars to promote their businesses in foreign media with little regards for the local players,” he said.

“The way forward, I think, should be for President Bola Tinubu to issue an Executive Order mandating local firms to commit nothing less than 80 percent of their advertising budget to local media.”

He commended sponsors of the outlook, which include the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Zenith Bank, NLNG, CBN, NNPC Limited, Linkage Assurance, and Fidelity Bank.

“I believe if most Nigerian firms can emulate NLNG in terms of social responsibility and commitment to local media, there will be no need of seeking for an Executive Order for them to do the needful,” he said.

The outlook reflected hopes, projections, optimism for Nigeria’s economy, with caution, according to its reviewer, Lagos Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso.

Adeleye said a sequel to the outlook, Q1 2026 Report, will provide actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, and investors, informing strategies for growth and development.

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“A True Achiever”: Obasanjo, Industry Titans Celebrate Zinox Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh at 70 https://techeconomy.ng/obasanjo-amuka-fashola-celebrate-leo-stan-ekeh-70/ https://techeconomy.ng/obasanjo-amuka-fashola-celebrate-leo-stan-ekeh-70/#respond Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:21:08 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=176705 Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday joined prominent Nigerians to celebrate the 70th birthday of Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group.

The thanksgiving gathering was held at Ekeh’s residence and was organised by his wife and children, with opening prayer led by Reverend Father Francis Ike of the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi. Obasanjo attended with his wife.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described Ekeh as “an achiever and a very kind man who deserves to be celebrated.” He said Ekeh was among those who took advantage of opportunities created during his administration between 1999 and 2007.

According to him, it is one thing to create opportunities and another to identify and use them. He said Ekeh was one of the people whose success made it possible for others to credit his government with encouraging investment and wealth creation.

Obasanjo said he was proud of Ekeh’s achievements and urged Nigerians to continue seeking opportunities despite economic challenges. He added jokingly that Ekeh would celebrate 80, 90 and 100 years, drawing laughter from guests.

Also present at the event was veteran journalist and Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola attended with his wife.

Other dignitaries included former INEC Chairman Professor Maurice Iwu; Chairman of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Atedo Peterside; Chairman of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Chairman of Seplat Energy, Mr. Udoma Udo-Udoma.

Secondary school classmates of Ekeh, including entertainer Charles Oputa, were also in attendance. Ekeh’s elder brother, HRM Eze George Ekeh, traditional ruler of Ishi Ubomiri Autonomous Community in Imo State, performed traditional rites welcoming him into the community’s elders’ circle.

In his remarks, Ekeh thanked Obasanjo for his support over the years and described him as a leader who created room for entrepreneurs to grow. He said he attributed his success to faith, discipline and trust.

Ekeh recalled starting his career as a mass servant and chorister. He said he chose early in life not to drink alcohol or smoke and has kept to that decision. He also spoke about starting his technology business with his school fees at a time when the sector was still developing in his home state.

He said trust and integrity had guided his business decisions and helped him build credibility with partners and institutions.

Ekeh also acknowledged the support of his wife, describing her as a key pillar in his personal and professional life.

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Fidelity Bank Targets Aviation Sector with New Financing Solutions https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-targets-aviation-sector-with-new-financing-solutions/ https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-targets-aviation-sector-with-new-financing-solutions/#comments Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:29:23 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=172279 Fidelity Bank Plc has reiterated its support for the Nigerian aviation sector by serving as one of the official sponsors of the inaugural Nigerian International Airshow.

The event took place from December 2 to 4, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria. The premiere airshow was a success, recording over 3,500 attendees from more than 65 countries and featuring over 150 exhibitors.

Speaking at the airshow, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, the bank’s Divisional Head of Brand & Communications, stated that the aviation sector holds profound importance for Fidelity Bank due to its crucial role in the nation’s economic growth and development.

“We are proud to be a sponsor for this year’s median edition. The Nigerian Aviation sector is a space that is very dear to us because of what it holds in building our economy,” Dr Nwagboh explained.

Further emphasising the bank’s dedication, Nnenna Kayode-Lawal, Fidelity Bank’s divisional head, Conglomerate,  called for more strategic collaborations between the bank and key players in the Nigerian Aviation sector, noting that access to finance is a great catalyst for industry growth.

“Those that are not partnering with us are missing out because access to finance is a great thing. We understand the structures, we understand their needs, we understand their collections, and we have the platforms to be able to do their collections and make banking very easy for them”, she added.

The other official sponsors of the maiden edition of the Nigerian International Airshow included Flybird, Avante Fly, the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Airspace Development, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), among others.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, hinted that the International Airshow is more than an exhibition; it is a declaration of national ambition and a platform to share knowledge and explore opportunities.

The Nigeria International Airshow serves as more than an exhibition, it is a forward-looking declaration of national ambition.

“It brings together international manufacturers, innovators, regulators, airlines, investors, and aviation enthusiasts to explore opportunities, share knowledge, and showcase cutting-edge technologies,’’ he said.

The three-day event concluded with an awards and recognition ceremony for some of the aviation sector players, with XEJet winning the in-flight service award amongst the honorees.

Fidelity Bank has consistently demonstrated its significant financing role for the Nigerian Aviation industry through collaborative support for airlines like Air Peace, Enugu Air, and others.

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EDC, Fidelity Bank Task Entrepreneurs to Build an Impact-driven Enterprise https://techeconomy.ng/edc-fidelity-bank-task-entrepreneurs-to-build-an-impact-driven-enterprise/ https://techeconomy.ng/edc-fidelity-bank-task-entrepreneurs-to-build-an-impact-driven-enterprise/#respond Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:31:28 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=171735 The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Fidelity Bank Plc, and MTN Nigeria Foundation, have called on Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners to build an impact-driven enterprise for a better future, rather than for profit alone.

This call was made at the 2025 Social Enterprise Dialogue session, powered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and Fidelity Bank during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week held in Lagos.

Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, the keynote speaker and executive director at MTN Nigeria Foundation, who spoke on the theme: ‘Purpose meets profit: building an impact-driven enterprise for a better future’, reechoed the call and urged entrepreneurs to ensure the purpose of their businesses is bigger than profit.

She said,

“Entrepreneurs need to know that purpose is critical in building a business. That it is not just about the profits, when you have a purpose, and you are driven by your purpose, you will be guided by pillars to purpose, which include ethics, values, and good governance.”

Mrs. Sanya emphasised the importance of culture in building local businesses and advised entrepreneurs to consider culture as a critical ingredient because culture will always eat strategy for breakfast,” she added.

She advised entrepreneurs to build beyond themselves because small businesses grow into big businesses in the long term.

According to her,

“Entrepreneurs should build beyond themselves. A small business today grows into a big business tomorrow. They shouldn’t settle for the small visions of their businesses, and the small versions, too. They should have a mental image of what their business is about in the long term. And they shouldn’t play the short-term game, but they should play the long-term game, where even after they’re long gone, their efforts through their establishments will continue to serve humanity,” she enthused.

Dr. Olawale Anifowose, the managing director, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), encouraged Nigerian-owned small businesses to innovate and create offerings that do not just generate revenue but also fulfil the needs of both individuals and the community.

Chiwike Okere, team lead in the SMEs Banking Group at Fidelity Bank, who spoke on the bank’s collaborative effort with EDC said,

“Fidelity Bank, being a bank that is focused on supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, deems it very key and important to be associated with this event. And that is why we are partnering with one of our long-standing partners, EDC, to support the various activities that are geared towards showcasing entrepreneurs showcasing how different kinds of institutions can support entrepreneurs, and more importantly, showcasing how our bank is supporting entrepreneurs in Nigeria.”

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Fidelity Bank Pledges Continued Funding for Nigeria’s Indigenous Energy Sector https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-pledges-continued-funding-for-nigerias-indigenous-energy-sector/ https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-pledges-continued-funding-for-nigerias-indigenous-energy-sector/#respond Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:40:01 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=171713 Fidelity Bank Plc has restated its commitment to financing Nigeria’s indigenous oil and gas operators.

The assurance was given by Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank’s managing director and chief executive officer, during a first-oil presentation by Emadeb Energy at Fidelity Place, the bank’s corporate head office in Lagos.

At the event, Emadeb Energy’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adebowale Olujimi, appreciated the bank for its role in the company’s growth.

“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many Banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank thoroughly reviewed our proposal, encompassing legal, technical, financial, and character assessments. We met these requirements, and that is why they supported us,” Olujimi said.

Dr Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on the milestone and reaffirmed the bank’s support for local players in the energy sector.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.

“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,” she noted.

Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved first oil from the Ibom Field, a major achievement for the firm.

“Our next phase will be exciting. We plan to drill two additional wells and increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After that, we aim to expand our gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,” Olujimi added.

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Fidelity Bank Grows Gross Earnings by 46% to ₦748.7 billion for H1 2025 https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-grows-gross-earnings-by-46-to-%e2%82%a6748-7-billion-for-h1-2025/ https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-grows-gross-earnings-by-46-to-%e2%82%a6748-7-billion-for-h1-2025/#respond Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:18:31 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=171270 Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its audited financial results for the half-year ended 30 June 2025, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth across key performance indicators.

Highlights of the financial results which was uploaded on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) portal on Thursday, 13 November 2025 shows that the bank delivered robust results across key financial metrics including Gross Earnings, which stood at ₦748.7 billion, up from ₦512.9 billion in H1 2024; Net Interest Income, which rose to ₦420.4 billion, compared to ₦326.4 billion in H1 2024; and Customer Deposits, which grew to ₦7.2 trillion, from ₦5.9 trillion in FY 2024.

Similarly, the bank’s Net Revenue increased to ₦444.4 billion, compared to ₦396.8 billion in H1 2024.

Fidelity Bank continued to expand its digital banking footprint, enhance customer experience, and support key sectors of the economy.

The bank’s loan book grew, with Net Loans and Advances expanding to ₦4.9 trillion, up from ₦4.4 trillion in FY 2024, reflecting increased support for businesses and individuals. Asset quality remained stable, with non-performing loans well within acceptable limits.

The bank’s capital raising initiatives have further strengthened its financial position, ensuring readiness to meet new regulatory requirements and pursue growth opportunities.

Fidelity Bank’s strong liquidity profile and robust governance framework provide a solid foundation for continued success.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Fidelity Bank Commits N1.18bn to Corporate Social Responsibility in H1 2025 https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-commits-n1-18bn-to-corporate-social-responsibility-in-h1-2025/ https://techeconomy.ng/fidelity-bank-commits-n1-18bn-to-corporate-social-responsibility-in-h1-2025/#respond Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:01:44 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=171079 Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading tier-two Nigerian lender, has announced a landmark donation of N1.18 billion to support various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country.

This was revealed in the Bank’s Half-Year 2025 (H1 2025) financial results published on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Corporate Social Responsibility is a self-regulating business model that brands use to contribute and drive social change, thereby positioning them as more than a profit-driven business.

Fidelity Bank’s CSR contributions span multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, security, arts, donations to NGOs, and environmental conservation, aiming to address pressing societal needs and foster sustainable growth.

Key recipients include:

  • Enugu State Government: N100 million for the Enugu State Security Trust Fund
  • William Anumudu Foundation, Lagos: N100 million financial support to the Foundation

Educational initiatives receiving significant support:

  • Fidelity Food Bank Initiative: N496.19 million for raw food packs in underserved communities in Rivers, Osun, Lagos, Imo, Kano, Anambra, Osun, Kano, and Benue State
  • Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Anambra: N98.32 million for infrastructure upgrades at the institution

Healthcare efforts were also supported:

  • Gilgal Rehabilitation Centre, Lagos: N7.36 million for mental healthcare services
  • Akere Primary Health Care Centre, Ajeromi: N2.4 million for maternity kits

Other important CSR donations include:

  • 8 million for the Ohafia LGA Recreation Center, Abia State
  • N20 million for the coronation ceremony and the unveiling of socio-economic development projects in Ijesha, Osun State, amongst other interventions.

These donations position Fidelity Bank as a social change driver across critical sectors of the economy. The bank fulfils its obligations as a financial services provider in Nigeria, the UK, and Ghana, where it also operates.

Fidelity Bank is listed on the Main Board of the NGX. Its share price closed at N19.00 on Friday, November 14, 2025, declining by 0.05%.

The stock ranks as the 103rd best-performing on a Year-to-Date basis. The group has a shareholders’ capital of N956.54 billion and an outstanding share capital of 50.21 billion.

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