First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been named Nigeria’s Best SME-Focused Bank for 2025 by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). The award was presented at the 60th Annual Bankers Dinner held on November 28 in Lagos. FCMB earned this recognition by commanding an impressive 24% share of the industry’s ₦1.8 trillion total SME disbursements in 2024.
FCMB stood out for its strong lending footprint and its commitment to supporting key growth-driven sectors such as agriculture, trade, telecommunications, real estate, and food and beverages. The bank has consistently positioned itself as a reliable partner for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering not just funding but also training, advisory services and strategic partnerships that help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and scale their businesses.
Speaking at the event, a senior executive representing the Managing Director described the award as a testament to the bank’s mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerian entrepreneurs, who remain central to the nation’s economic progress. FCMB reiterated its dedication to providing accessible finance, technology-driven solutions and expert support to help SMEs thrive.
This recognition highlights the vital role FCMB plays in empowering Nigeria’s business landscape. By strengthening SME capacity and expansion, the bank continues to drive job creation, productivity and sustainable economic development across the country.