First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been recognized as Nigeria’s Best SME-Focused Bank for 2025 by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The accolade comes as FCMB commands a leading 24% share of the banking industry’s ₦1.8 trillion total SME disbursement for 2024.

The award was presented at the 60th Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos on November 28, 2025, underscoring FCMB’s significant role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

FCMB’s financing initiatives target key drivers of the Nigerian economy. According to the Q3 2024 Nigerian Gross Domestic Product report, the bank’s investments are concentrated in high-performing sectors such as Crop Production (26.51%), Trade (14.78%), Telecommunications (13.94%), Real Estate (5.43%), and Food, Beverage and Tobacco (4.06%).

The selection for the award was informed by industry-wide lending data provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which tracks financial contributions to Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem.

In addition to funding, FCMB supports entrepreneurs through training programs, advisory services, and strategic partnerships to help them navigate business challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

Yemisi Edun, FCMB’s Managing Director and CEO, was represented at the Annual Bankers Dinner by Obaro Odeghe, Executive Director of Wholesale Banking, who said:

“We are truly honoured to be recognized by the CIBN, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This recognition affirms our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerian entrepreneurs, who form the backbone of our economy.
We will continue to provide SMEs with accessible finance, technology, and expert advice to support their growth. By strengthening these businesses, we drive productivity and contribute directly to national development.”

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the country’s main professional body for bankers, organizes these awards to highlight progress and resilience within the financial sector.

FCMB’s success was further reflected through Tooritsemoshe Ojei, a staff member who received the Next Generation Class of 2025 Award for outstanding performance and leadership potential in banking.

As part of FCMB Group Plc, the bank remains dedicated to fostering inclusive growth by connecting people, capital, and markets in Nigeria and abroad.

This latest recognition builds on previous honors, including the Excellence Award for Promoting Financial Inclusion for Grassroots Entrepreneurs (Mastercard Foundation), SME Financier of the Year (Africa) from the Global SME Finance Forum/IFC, and Best Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time in Nigeria from the Development Bank of Nigeria.