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 award highlights FCMB’s leadership in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, with a 24% share of the banking sector’s ₦1.8 trillion SME disbursement in 2024.

The award was presented during the 60th Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos on November 28, 2025, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria tracking financial sector contributions to SMEs.

FCMB’s financing targets sectors driving Nigeria’s economy, including:

• Crop Production: 26.51%
• Trade: 14.78%
• Telecommunications: 13.94%
• Real Estate: 5.43%
• Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 4.06%

Beyond financing, FCMB supports entrepreneurs with training programs, advisory services, and partnerships to promote sustainable growth.

Yemisi Edun, FCMB’s Managing Director and CEO, represented by Obaro Odeghe, Executive Director of Wholesale Banking, said:

“This recognition affirms our purpose as an institution committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerian entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy… By strengthening these businesses, we drive productivity and contribute directly to national development.”