First Bank of Nigeria
| Rank | 8 |
| BSM Rating | 66.3 |
| YoY | – |
| Year of Establishment | Founded in 1894 (as Bank for British West Africa); renamed First Bank of Nigeria in 1979 |
| Website | firstbanknigeria.com |
| Headquarters | 35 Marina, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| MD/CEO | Olusegun Alebiosu |
| Operations Presence | Over 820 business outlets and 233,500+ agents across Nigeria |
| Areas of Interest | Retail, corporate, commercial, public sector banking, insurance, and investment banking |
| Countries of Operation | Nigeria, DRC, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Gambia; offices in UK, France, SA, China, UAE |
| Annual Turnover | ₦3.52 trillion (FY 2024 Gross Earnings) |
| Total Assets | ₦27.5 trillion (2024) |
| Number of Staff | Over 16,000 employees |
| Contact Address | 35 Marina, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Best Known As | Nigeria’s oldest and largest bank by assets, with an unrivalled nationwide presence |
First Bank of Nigeria has consistently maintained its position as one of the most valuable and enduring financial institutions in Nigeria, a status reaffirmed by its over 130 years of continuous operations and recognition as the country’s premier banking brand. This leadership is not only through its expansive reach and customer loyalty but also through its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth, financial stability, and social development.
Established in 1894, First Bank of Nigeria is the nation’s oldest bank and one of the largest in West Africa. With a network of over 700 branches and serving more than 40 million customers, the bank has played an important role in Nigeria’s financial sector for over a century. Its resilience and adaptability have enabled it to remain relevant across generations, weathering economic cycles and technological disruptions while retaining its reputation as a trusted institution.
Financially, First Bank has maintained strong performance, consistently ranking among the top banks in Nigeria by assets, deposits, and profitability. By 2025, the bank had strengthened its capital base and enhanced operational efficiency, reflecting prudent management and a forward-looking strategy.
Beyond banking, First Bank has distinguished itself through its corporate social responsibility programmes under the FirstBank Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility initiatives. The bank has supported education, women empowerment, healthcare, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria. Its flagship programmes, such as the SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness) initiative, promote volunteerism and community support among employees and stakeholders.
First Bank’s excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including recognition as the Best Retail Bank in Nigeria for over a decade by The Asian Banker, and awards for innovation, governance, and customer service. Its compliance with international best practices, including certifications in information security and service quality, has solidified its reputation as a trusted financial partner.
As a heritage brand, First Bank continues to symbolize strength, trust, and continuity in Nigeria’s financial services landscape. Through its legacy, digital innovation, and commitment to community development, First Bank of Nigeria remains not just the country’s oldest bank but also one of its most valuable drivers of financial and social progress.
