Workforce Excellence as a Catalyst for Growth in Nigeria’s Financial Sector

Lagos, Nigeria – September 2025 — FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited proudly announces its certification as a Great Place to Work®, a global recognition that affirms its commitment to cultivating Nigeria’s most innovative and high-performing workforce. This milestone underscores the Bank’s dedication to employee engagement, organisational culture, and leadership effectiveness—reinforcing human capital as a core strategic differentiator in an increasingly competitive financial services landscape.The certification followed a rigorous evaluation of employee feedback, workplace culture, and leadership practices, validating FBNQuest’s deliberate people-centred strategies designed to capture growth opportunities amid regulatory advances, fintech disruption, and digital transformation.“Our recognition as a Great Place to Work reinforces a key tenet of our strategy: that sustainable competitive advantage in modern investment banking is built on exceptional human capital,” said Afolabi Olorode, Ag. Managing Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank. “In a market defined by technological acceleration, evolving client expectations, and regulation, our people-first approach is not optional, it is a strategic necessity. When we empower our people through targeted development and engagement, we expand our capacity to innovate, strengthen agility, and deliver superior financial solutions. This recognition confirms that investing in talent is the most effective pathway to sustainable growth and resilience.”This certification reflects FBNQuest’s rigorous focus on key areas critical to its strategic objectives:- Leadership Excellence: Cultivating a high-trust management culture that enables swift decision-making and strategic agility.- Talent Development: Accelerating capabilities aligned with market trends, including digital banking and compliance.- Operational Flexibility: Supporting productivity through adaptive work arrangements, ensuring client responsiveness.- Inclusive Innovation: Fostering diversity of thought that fuels creative solutions and market insights.- Talent Attraction & Retention: Implementing a comprehensive rewards strategy to draw top-tier industry talent.In a financial sector undergoing unprecedented transformation, FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s deliberate focus on people not only strengthens its competitive edge but also enhances its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile. This positions the Bank as a trusted partner for global investors and strategic alliances, while reinforcing its role as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation. A Future-Ready Workforce for a Changing Market. This certification reflects more than an accolade, it signals the Bank’s commitment to building a motivated, engaged, and future-ready workforce. By aligning people strategies with business objectives, the Bank continues to deliver on its mandate of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth, setting a benchmark for excellence in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

Lagos, 21 August 2025 — FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited has reaffirmed its leadership in Nigeria’s capital markets by serving as Exclusive Arranger and Dealer for Accion Microfinance Bank Limited’s debut ₦5.0 billion Commercial Paper (CP) Programme, which successfully launched with a ₦2.0 billion Series 1 issuance.This milestone transaction marks Accion’s first-ever entry into Nigeria’s capital markets and demonstrates the Bank’s growing strength as a credible issuer within the country’s debt capital landscape.

L-R: Financial Consultant, Accion Microfinance Bank, Promise Nwakor; Company Secretary/Head, Legal, Accion Microfinance Bank, Oluwatosin Olaoko; Head, Investment Banking, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Yetunde Falore; Managing Director/CEO, Accion Microfinance Bank, Taiwo Joda; Partner, Aluko & Oyebode, Tunde Oyebode; Consultant, DataPro, Jossy Matthew at the signing ceremony of Accion MFB’s Series I Commercial Paper held recently in Lagos.

A Milestone Transaction with Strategic ImpactThe Series 1 issuance, which opened on 20 August and closes on 29 August 2025, provides Accion with access to diversified and cost-efficient funding sources, reinforcing its mission to expand financial inclusion and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).Backed by an A- credit rating from DataPro, the issuance reflects Accion’s strong fundamentals, robust liquidity, and ability to meet obligations. Importantly, this transaction is among the first SEC-registered Commercial Paper programmes by a Nigerian financial institution under the current regulatory framework, underscoring both the resilience of Nigeria’s capital markets and FBNQuest’s role as a trusted partner in shaping its evolution.Leadership Commentary“As we look to the future, Accion Microfinance Bank remains committed to innovation, ethical banking, and sustainable impact.

L-R: Financial Consultant, Accion Microfinance Bank, Promise Nwakor; Consultant, DataPro, Jossy Matthew; Managing Director/CEO, Accion Microfinance Bank, Taiwo Joda; Head, Investment Banking, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Yetunde Falore; Partner, Aluko & Oyebode, Tunde Oyebode; Company Secretary/Head, Legal, Accion Microfinance Bank, Oluwatosin Olaoko at the signing ceremony of Accion MFB’s Series I Commercial Paper held recently in Lagos.

This programme is a bold step in our journey to deepen financial inclusion. With the support of our partners, we are confident of delivering even greater value to our customers, our investors, and the communities we serve,” said Taiwo Joda, MD/CEO, Accion MFB.Commenting on FBNQuest’s role, Yetunde Falore, Head of Investment Banking at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, noted:”We are proud to have partnered with Accion MFB on their debut into the Nigerian Capital Market. This landmark transaction reflects the strength of Accion MFB’s fundamentals and reinforces the confidence investors place in both the issuer and FBNQuest’s strong execution capabilities. We remain committed to supporting Accion MFB and institutions like them in accessing efficient and diverse funding solutions to drive financial inclusion and growth”Strategic Benefits for Accion Microfinance Bank• Diversified funding base attracting a wider range of investors.• Cost-effective alternative to bank loans, improving capital efficiency.• Stronger liquidity to drive lending capacity and operational growth.• Enhanced market visibility and credibility through SEC-registered issuance.• Sustained expansion in micro-lending, accelerating financial inclusion.Broader Economic Impact• Expands access to affordable credit for MSMEs and underserved communities.• Supports job creation by fueling entrepreneurship and small business growth.• Deepens Nigeria’s debt capital market through new categories of issuers.• Reinforces investor confidence and regulatory trust.• Channels investments into productive sectors, contributing to sustainable economic growth.About Accion Microfinance BankAccion Microfinance Bank is a leading microfinance institution dedicated to advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria. With a customer base of over 520,000 across 80+ branches in 12 states, the Bank leverages digital innovation and strategic partnerships with Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC, GTBank, and IFC to empower micro-entrepreneurs and low-income individuals. Rated A- by DataPro, Accion is recognized for its financial stability, strong liquidity, and commitment to sustainable growth.About FBNQuest Merchant BankFBNQuest Merchant Bank is a leading full-service merchant bank offering capital markets, advisory, and transaction services to corporates and institutions across Nigeria. Through landmark transactions such as this, FBNQuest continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s capital markets and strengthen investor confidence in the financial system.

MAGGI, the iconic seasoning brand from Nestlé, has once again reinforced its commitment to women and communities in Nigeria by sponsoring the 2025 August Meeting across five South-Eastern states. This year’s edition reached more than 8,100 women across 18 locations throughout August, providing nutrition education, culinary demonstrations, and engaging conversations on family well-being and economic empowerment. The August Meeting is a decades-old tradition that unites Igbo women, both at home and abroad, to deliberate on family, social, and community development. By partnering with this powerful platform, MAGGI is deepening its connection with women, who remain at the heart of its brand purpose. The brand curated experiential events to equip women with practical knowledge and tools to make healthier food choices and to foster stronger, more resilient communities. Speaking at the event, Funmi Osineye, MAGGI Category Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, said: “MAGGI has supported the August Meeting for several years, but this celebration comes at a time when women empowerment, food security, and community resilience are more critical than ever. Beyond our products, this partnership allows us to provide women with fresh nutrition insights, new skills, and entrepreneurial support that strengthen families and uplift communities. This edition is not just about continuity, it is about honoring heritage and recognizing the women who shape our society every day.” For MAGGI, the August Meeting is more than a cultural celebration; it is an opportunity to reinforce its long-standing bond with Nigerian families. Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized: “We are proud to support this cherished custom that celebrates the contributions that women make to the socio-economic development of their communities. Partnering with the August Meeting allows us to honor women for the difference they make every day, while demonstrating our commitment to building stronger families and stronger communities.” This year’s edition of MAGGI August Meeting shone a spotlight on exemplary women leaders and rising stars in the community, who were specially recognized with awards for their remarkable contributions. The brand brought in Nollywood favorites: Ngozi Nwosu, Blessing Obasi, and Uzo Osimkpa to add vibrancy and cultural flavour to the celebrations. They delighted participants with their presence, embodying the beauty, strength, and creativity of the Igbo woman. Reflecting on her experience, Uzo Osimkpa shared: “Growing up, I witnessed the significance of the August Meeting in Igbo culture. For my mother, it wasn’t just a tradition; it was a duty. Every year, she traveled back home to join other women in shaping community progress. To be a part of Maggi August Meeting is more than participation; it is a privilege, a way to honor my mother’s legacy, and a testament to the enduring strength of Igbo womanhood.” The impact of MAGGI August Meeting was deeply felt by women in attendance. One participant expressed: “I cannot remember the last time the values and importance of our beloved August Meeting received this much visibility. MAGGI has amplified our tradition, making it even bigger by adding training, recognition, and empowerment. Truly, this has been a remarkable August Meeting.” Through initiatives like this, MAGGI demonstrates its commitment to remain a companion of women as they nurture cultural heritage from generation to generation.