Lagos, Nigeria — Fidelity Bank Plc has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category, recognizing its trailblazing financial solutions tailored to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The award celebrates Fidelity Bank’s unwavering dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs — a crucial driver of Nigeria’s economic development.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, expressed gratitude and renewed commitment, stating,
“Innovation lies at the core of our strategy to uplift MSMEs. This award highlights our resolve to deliver scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that positively impact Nigerian entrepreneurs. We dedicate this recognition to our loyal customers whose support fuels our journey.”
The award ceremony, themed “Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth,” took place at the 2025 Service Ambassadors’ Awards in Lagos. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, praised financial institutions for transforming untapped ideas into thriving businesses through advisory and support services.
“Our partners play a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs scale their ventures. We celebrate your commitment to turning unbankable ideas into bankable enterprises,” Okpanachi remarked.
Expanding Support for MSMEs: Fidelity Bank’s Landmark Initiatives
This award adds to Fidelity Bank’s growing portfolio of initiatives designed to nurture MSMEs. Notably, the bank recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to accelerate MSME growth across Africa.
Furthermore, the launch of the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, marks a significant step in fostering innovation and capacity building. The state-of-the-art facility offers training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and creative studios for music, photography, and content production — all geared towards boosting collaboration and skill development in Nigeria’s SME sector.
A Trusted Partner in Nigeria’s Financial Landscape
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through extensive digital channels and a network of 255 business offices across Nigeria and the United Kingdom via its subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has consistently earned accolades for its innovative approach, including:
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2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards)
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Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application for the Fidelity Mobile App (Global Business Outlook)
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Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider (Global Brands Magazine)
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Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence)
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Export Financing Bank of the Year (BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards)
With this latest recognition, Fidelity Bank Plc continues to solidify its role as a catalyst for MSME growth and economic empowerment in Nigeria.
