Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Deepens Push for Non-Oil Exports Through FNITCC Platform

Published

8 months ago

September 4, 2025

admin

Nigeria’s diversification drive has gathered momentum in recent years as government initiatives push to reduce dependence on crude oil and strengthen non-oil sectors as engines of growth. From the Central Bank of Nigeria’s RT200 programme to incentives offered by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the country has implemented policies designed to encourage exporters, boost foreign exchange inflows, and integrate local enterprises into global value chains.

Complementing these efforts, Fidelity Bank Plc has steadily positioned itself as one of the private-sector leaders advancing the country’s non-oil export agenda. Through its flagship initiative—the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC), the bank has built a global platform that links Nigerian exporters with international buyers, diaspora markets, and strategic investors.

For a country where oil revenues remain vulnerable to global shocks, FNITCC is more than a corporate innovation. It is a deliberate tool to help Nigeria unlock new streams of foreign exchange, strengthen small businesses, and showcase the creativity and resilience of its people to the world.

Beyond Commodities: A Broader Vision

The design of FNITCC reflects Fidelity’s conviction that Nigeria’s future global competitiveness lies not only in raw commodities but also in value-added goods and services. The expo has created space for agriculture and consumer-packaged goods, but equally for sectors such as fashion, cosmetics, fintech, and the wider creative economy.

The federal government has also increasingly emphasized the need for value addition rather than the mere export of raw commodities. A recent policy directive on shea butter, for instance, underscores this shift by encouraging local processors to refine and package the product before it leaves Nigeria. The move aligns with broader industrialisation and job-creation objectives, while ensuring that the country captures more value across the production chain—a goal that platforms like FNITCC are now helping to actualize by connecting these upgraded products to international markets.

FNITCC events are immersive and deliberately multi-sectoral.

They combine product exhibitions, breakout sessions, diaspora investment panels, curated workshops, art displays, and even theatrical and fashion performances. The aim is clear: to connect the breadth of Nigerian enterprise to global markets, while ensuring that exporters are able to meet international standards and access the finance required to scale.

In a statement announcing this year’s FNITCC, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said: “Since 2022 when we hosted the maiden edition, FNITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market.”

London to Houston to Atlanta: Showcasing Nigeria on the Global Stage

The FNITCC journey began in London in November 2022. Hosted at the Novotel London West, the inaugural event drew more than 100 exhibitors and 90 speakers, attracting over 1,000 daily attendees. It unlocked trade and investment deals worth about $250 million, validating the proposition that Nigerian businesses could compete abroad if given the right exposure and institutional support.

A year later, the platform moved to Houston, Texas a city known for its energy base but also home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities in the United States. FNITCC Houston, held in October 2023, attracted over 160 Nigerian and U.S.-based businesses across fintech, commodities, fashion, agriculture, and creative industries. The highlight was a landmark $40 million pre-export finance facility in favour of JohnVents Industries, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising cocoa exporters. The facility, arranged by Afreximbank with Fidelity Bank as the local administrative agent, demonstrated how trade promotion could be matched with access to finance to deliver real outcomes for exporters.

This month, September 18-20, 2025, FNITCC is heading to Atlanta, Georgia. The choice is deliberate: Atlanta has become a hub for Black entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and diaspora investment in the United States. Its large Nigerian and African diaspora population provides a ready market for ethnic and value-added products, while its robust chambers of commerce and international trade networks make it an attractive gateway for exporters. Fidelity is also partnering with Amplify Africa, the organizers of AFRICON, one of the largest African diaspora business and culture summits in the U.S., to amplify the reach of this edition.

By situating FNITCC in Atlanta, Fidelity Bank is tapping into a dynamic U.S. market and aligning with diaspora-led networks that can act as long-term anchors for trade and investment flows.

Onyeali-Ikpe added: “As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustainable trade both within Nigeria and internationally, we are pleased to announce the third edition of FNITCC. Since 2022, when we hosted the inaugural edition, the FNITCC expo has been at the heart of driving global market access for local businesses, and I am delighted that this year we will be in the city of Atlanta, USA.”

Consolidating Success and Expanding Scope

Between the London and Houston editions, FNITCC generated a consolidated deal pipeline of over $500 million. For Nigeria, where non-oil exports are still under $5 billion annually, this is a significant achievement. It demonstrates the potential of structured, private-sector-led platforms to complement government diversification policies with measurable outcomes.

FNITCC Atlanta is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants—including exporters, U.S. buyers, policymakers, investors, multinational corporations, and development finance institutions. Programming highlights include B2B matchmaking sessions, policy dialogues, diaspora investment roundtables, and sector-specific workshops. Strategic sectors in focus will include agriculture, consumer goods, energy transition minerals, fashion, beauty, and creative services.

By positioning exporters side-by-side with financiers, regulators, and global buyers, FNITCC provides the missing ecosystem Nigerian businesses often lack when venturing into foreign markets.

Nigeria’s FX Outlook and the Case for Diversification

The timing of Fidelity’s intervention could not be more strategic. The naira has shown greater stability in recent months, supported by a mix of policy reforms and improving inflows, helping to restore investor confidence in the broader economy. With global attention once again turning to Nigeria’s vast potential, this is an opportune moment to deepen non-oil export growth.

The long-term case remains clear: as the world transitions away from fossil fuels, Nigeria cannot afford to depend solely on crude oil revenues. Building new, resilient export pillars is essential to sustaining growth, creating jobs, and securing foreign exchange inflows that are less vulnerable to commodity price swings.

FNITCC sits at the heart of this shift. By showcasing value-added goods, creating structured access to global markets, and linking exporters to international buyers, the platform helps convert Nigeria’s comparative advantages into tangible competitiveness. In doing so, it strengthens the broader diversification drive while reinforcing the growing sense of economic optimism.

A Shared Path to Diversification

Ultimately, what makes FNITCC unique is its ability to bring together policy, finance, and culture under a single umbrella. It complements government-led initiatives and continental frameworks like AfCFTA by giving exporters practical exposure to international markets. It also addresses the financing gap through partnerships with institutions such as Afreximbank, ensuring that deals struck at the expos are not just ceremonial but backed by capital. And by spotlighting Nigeria’s creative and service industries, fashion, fintech, music, and art, FNITCC underscores the country’s growing soft power as a source of foreign exchange in its own right.

In this way, FNITCC is more than an exhibition; it is a platform for national transformation. It embodies the collaboration between government policy and private initiative, while providing exporters the tools to compete on a global stage. From London to Houston and now Atlanta, it has grown into an institution that is helping Nigeria move closer to the long-held dream of economic diversification, reinforcing optimism that the non-oil sector can become the bedrock of a more resilient, export-led economy.

Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ikorodu

Published

13 hours ago

April 28, 2026

admin

Photo caption:L-R: Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Retail Team Rep., Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Ogbuze; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Adeola Odeku Branch, Ifeyinwa Asomugha; Public Sector Team Rep., Nnaemeka Ike; Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Harriba Harry-Pepple; a beneficiary, Mrs. Akinsanya Abeke; Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele; Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega, during the Fidelity Bank “Give Her Power Initiative” which held in Ikorodu, Lagos recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power”, to Ikorodu, Lagos State, empowering over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and improve household income.The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the Initiative’s nationwide rollout, saw the distribution of 12 sewing machines, 15 grinding machines among other items, to beneficiaries drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas.Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, emphasized that the “Give Her Power” initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering practical and sustainable empowerment.“The Give Her Power initiative is intentionally designed to go beyond symbolic gestures. Our goal is to equip women with the tools and resources they need to build sustainable businesses, generate income, and create better opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, described the Ikorodu outreach as a strategic intervention targeted at underserved women at the grassroots level.He noted that the Initiative will be expanded across other regions, including the South-East, South-South, and Northern Nigeria, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to ensuring women are not excluded from economic opportunities.“When women are empowered financially, the ripple effect is felt across families, communities, and the broader national economy,” he noted.It will be recalled that the “Give Her Power” initiative was initially launched in Lagos through strategic partnerships with organisations including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe. The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, mentorship, business support, and access to enterprise opportunities.Prior to the Ikorodu activation, the initiative recently took place in Abeokuta, Ogun Staste, where 100 women received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines at an event held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.The Ikorodu outreach attracted key government and community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega; Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele.One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hassan Bukola from Ikorodu North LCDA, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank, describing the support as transformative.“This sewing machine is a life-changing opportunity for me. It will help me grow my business and better support my family,” she said.With the successful rollout in Ikorodu, Fidelity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the “Give Her Power” initiative nationwide, positioning it as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development.Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Banking and Finance

Providus Bank Expands Footprint with Ekiti Branch, Reaffirms Capital Strength

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

admin

Providus Bank Plc has commissioned a new branch in Ado-Ekiti, marking another step in its steady expansion across key growth markets in Nigeria.Having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirement since January 2025, Providus Bank is now focused on expanding its footprint to support local enterprise, deepen financial inclusion, and bring banking services closer to individuals and businesses.Speaking at the commissioning, the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Deoye Ojuroye, noted that the expansion is part of a broader plan to strengthen the Bank’s presence nationwide over the next 12 months.“Our approach is deliberate—we are growing in the right places, supporting real economic activity, and building a bank that is both resilient and responsive to the needs of our customers.”He added that Providus Bank remains on a strong footing, with a disciplined approach to capital and risk management underpinning its growth.“We are well capitalised within our regulatory category, and that gives us the confidence to continue expanding responsibly while supporting businesses and communities.”The Bank plans to open additional branches in strategic locations over the coming year, reinforcing its commitment to scale, accessibility, and long-term value creation.Providus Bank continues to position itself as a reliable partner to businesses and individuals, combining financial strength with a clear focus on sustainable growth.

Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Strengthens SME Support with High Impact Masterclasses on Pricing, Digital Growth and Global Expansion

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

admin

In line with its commitment to accelerating the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has rolled out a series of high impact masterclasses designed to equip business owners with practical skills, improve operational efficiency and expand market access throughout the month of April 2026.

The first in the series, titled “Pricing That Works: How to Charge Right and Earn More,” held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. The session focused on helping entrepreneurs set profitable, sustainable prices without losing customers, an essential factor for long-term business success.

About a hundred SMEs from different sectors attended the masterclass which saw participants receive guidance on key areas many small businesses struggle with including costing, value-based pricing, pricing psychology and customer perception.

Following the success of the pricing masterclass and testimonials from participants, the bank scheduled three additional masterclasses to run throughout April 2026. The second masterclass, held on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 April 2026, was a practical, skill-building session titled, “Baking Masterclass: From Kitchen to Cashflow”. The session equipped bakers and food entrepreneurs with hands on techniques to refine their craft, improve product consistency and strengthen their earning potential.

Commenting on the initiative, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ugochi Osinigwe said, “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when SMEs succeed, the economy grows. That is why we have curated a suite of masterclasses that provide entrepreneurs with the practical skills they can apply immediately.

“Whether it is pricing correctly, improving product quality, mastering online sales, or preparing for international expansion, we are devoted to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to grow, thrive and prosper.”

She added that the SME Masterclass Series is part of Fidelity Bank’s broader mandate to support SMEs with business advisory, funding, market access and capacity-building initiatives delivered through the Fidelity SME Hub as well as dedicated SME support programmes nationwide. Osinigwe noted that the Bank recently received the Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers, underscoring its industry leadership and unwavering commitment to growing Nigeria’s MSME sector.

A third masterclass, themed, “Grow Online Sales on a Budget”, is scheduled for April 24, 2026, and will equip entrepreneurs with practical strategies to boost visibility, engage customers, and increase sales using affordable online tools.

Similarly, the fourth and final masterclass, titled, “Take Your Business Global: One-on-One Trade Advisory”, will hold on April 29, 2026 and will serve as a personalized advisory clinic where SME owners will receive expert guidance on export readiness, cross-border payments, global market opportunities, and compliance requirements.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.