Fidelity Bank Plc has been recognised by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) for its contribution to expanding access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), emerging winner of the DBN Service Ambassadors Award for the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time.
The award recognises the deposit money bank that has successfully provided access to formal credit for previously unbanked or credit-excluded MSMEs, underscoring Fidelity Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and enterprise development.
Speaking on the recognition, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking at Fidelity Bank, Ugochi Osinigwe, described the award as an affirmation of the bank’s efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across Nigeria.
She said the bank remains committed to providing MSMEs with access to funding, business advisory services, capacity-building opportunities, market access and digital solutions that enable sustainable growth.
According to Osinigwe, the recognition would further motivate the bank to deepen its interventions within the SME sector and continue delivering practical solutions that help businesses overcome growth challenges.
The latest award adds to Fidelity Bank’s growing list of recognitions from the Development Bank of Nigeria. In 2025, the bank received the DBN Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank category for its contribution to developing innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of MSMEs.
It also received the 2020 DBN Service Award for the Highest Disbursement to DBN-focused locations, highlighting its role in facilitating access to affordable financing for businesses across underserved markets.
Beyond lending, Fidelity Bank has continued to implement programmes designed to strengthen the capacity and competitiveness of small businesses.
Among these is the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, which provides entrepreneurs with access to training facilities, networking opportunities, business advisory support and creative production spaces.
The bank has also introduced the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, a platform that brings together business owners, policymakers and industry experts to discuss issues relating to business growth, trade, innovation and sustainability.
In addition, its SME Masterclass Series offers practical training on key business areas, including pricing, product development, online sales, brand visibility and international expansion.
Fidelity Bank has also supported the implementation of the Federal Government’s MSME Intervention Funds administered through the Bank of Industry, with particular focus on supporting qualified enterprises and women-owned businesses.
The bank’s SME development strategy extends to export promotion and market access initiatives. Through programmes such as the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect, businesses are linked to international markets in the United Kingdom and the United States.
It also collaborates with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Lagos Business School on the Export Management Programme, which equips entrepreneurs and exporters with the skills and knowledge needed to compete effectively in regional and global markets.
Furthermore, Fidelity Bank’s partnership with the National Credit Guarantee Company is helping to reduce lending risks, improve credit access and provide financial literacy and business management support to MSME operators.
The bank said its approach to SME development combines access to finance, capacity building, advisory services, digital innovation and strategic partnerships to support businesses at various stages of growth and contribute to economic development.