Aviation business, not only in Nigeria, is generally known to be a capital intensive one and strictly guided by international regulations as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO recommended standards and Practices are to be referred to when dealing in aviation business, therefore, Nigeria being a signatory to ICAO should uphold international civil aviation standards and fulfill its obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation.Numerous challenges, including high operating cost; fluctuating exchange rates; difficulties in aircraft repossession; perceived high-risk environment for international financiers and lessors, leading to stringent financing terms or reluctance to engage with Nigerian airlines, have really overwhelmed the sector.Experts say international lessors often perceive Nigeria as a high-risk country due to factors like currency fluctuations and difficulties in aircraft repossession, making it harder for airlines to secure leases on favourable terms and encountering difficulties in securing financing for aircraft acquisition and maintenance.”Despite its strategic location, burgeoning population, and role as West Africa’s gateway, Nigeria’s aviation sector struggles to attract investment and secure newer, fuel-efficient aircraft under favorable leasing terms.According to analysts, domestic airlines continue to shrink in size ‘due to lack of adequate financing and sometimes lack of sincerity among many operators who are not disciplined enough to differentiate between operating funds from personal monies and in the mix they encroach into their capital. This is why many airlines find it difficult to offset their loans, and because of frivolous spending by many operator and other factors, the banks had it as a policy not to give credit facility to airlines’.Fidelity Bank’s Midas TouchNot many people were aware that while banks stayed away from the sector, Fidelity Bank placed a bet on Barrister Allen Onyema’s Air Peace brand over 10 years ago.Air Peace began operations with seven aircraft consisting of three Dornier 328s and four Boeing 737-500. This initial fleet was notably larger than what some other airlines started with. The airline launched on October 24, 2014. Despite their size and smallness, Fidelity Bank chose to stick with the airline. It provided fund to buy new aircraft from Boeing. In 2018, Dr. Allen Onyema signed an agreement with Boeing for 10 new aircraft, this was financed by Fidelity Bank.Fidelity Bank provided the funds required for Air Peace’s growth and expansion. Air Peace has scaled up and is now the largest airline in West Africa by fleet and size.The airline has also kept faith with Fidelity Bank by choosing to bank with it even in the face of multiple choices, currently.No airline in Nigeria today comes close to Air Peace in terms of daily turnover and liquidity.Onyema, who disclosed recently at a press conference to announce commencement of Abuja-London Heathrow flights, that the airline currently has 49 aircraft, 36 on outright purchase and four on wet lease, spoke of the financial integrity of the airline, adding that it has contributed to the feat of securing the coveted slot in Heathrow.Speaking on maintenance and financial integrity of the airline, Onyema described its fleet maintenance as top notch, revealing that its partnership with Israeli Aerospace Service and OEM has also earned it international accolades. He added that Air Peace’s financial integrity has grown the confidence of other financial institutions in investment in aviation.“The banking industry confidence has grown due to our financial integrity. Fidelity bank celebrated us recently, our financial integrity is the reason for our expansion, every Nigerian banks now wants to partner with us because we see borrowed money as other people’s money, they are depositors’ money, so we are prudent with it, banks don’t look over their shoulders when they are dealing with us”, he added.On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Fidelity Bank hosted an evening in honour of Air Peace for achieving a historic milestone of being the first Nigerian airline in recent times to commence direct flights from Nigeria to London.The dinner, which also coincided with the 10th year anniversary of the airline, was to be an opportunity to get together to celebrate Nigerian aviation giant and Chairman of the Air Peace Group, Dr. Allen Onyema, who had broken the jinx of Nigerian airlines in the international aviation space with its commencement of flights to London.Making its debut flight to London on March 30, 2024, with a ticket price of N1.2 million while players in the space prior to March 30 had charged as much as N3 million, foreign airlines plying the route has since continued to drop their prices in order to remain competitive in the market.Air Peace’ involvement in the international flight terrain has received lots of accolades from Nigerians at home and abroad and its strategic pricing is also a big win for Nigeria’s flying public as reduced flight cost gives Nigerians more liquidity to enjoy other pleasures they may wish.Following on this, Fidelity bank’s evening in honour of Air Peace is a loud cheer in support of the airline.According to Onyema, when the airline started operating in 2014, of all the financial institution within the country, only Fidelity bank was willing to support it through its teething period.Onyema noted that the support gotten from the bank has been consistent through the years enabling him to fulfill his lifelong dream of job creation and empowerment of the average Nigerian.”This bank (Fidelity) is the only bank that responded to us in the early days. They believed in us. People that earn hundred thousand a month, they give them loans. I call it our journey with Fidelity Bank”.“Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has just spoken about us, how we were there for them. But I also remember how she was there for us while she was an Executive Director with Fidelity. The team was always there when the road was very rough. Words have failed me because I didn’t know this day will come when an indigenous institution will be celebrating another indigenous institution. It is very encouraging.”In her remarks at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity bank, Dr. Onyeka Onyeali-Ikpe, stated that the celebration is well deserved as Air Peace has through financial discipline expanded its operational fleet and is going the extra mile to put Nigeria on the world stage.”Today, we are celebrating one of ours. They started operations with a few aircrafts and today they have 24 aircrafts. My experience with them underscores what you call financial discipline. When you go through their accounts, you will not see personal spend.”That is a lesson for everybody. We are here to celebrate them. This is a major milestone. We have supported them, no doubt, but they have also been very loyal to us. Because they have been a big fan for a very long time and all the big boys wanted them but Allen and his team said no.Ibom AirFidelity Bank is also a part of the success story of Ibom Air as it was recently revealed by the erstwhile managing Director of the airline, Captain Mfon Udom that it was the lead financier for the acquisition of its Airbus A220-300 Series.Speaking at the ceremony to officially receive the aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport Uyo, Udom stated that “there are several Banks that are supporting Ibom Air, but this Aircraft in particular has been made possible by Fidelity Bank and Union Bank.’“The significance of this ceremony today cannot be over-emphasized. I must thank Fidelity Bank because they have come in full force to support us. By 2026 we are going to be operating 18 aircraft and adding two new destinations to the routes of Ibom Air later this year, the aircraft will boost services on existing routes.”My speech would be incomplete without acknowledging the role played by Fidelity Bank as the lead financier of the acquisition of Ibom’s Air’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft”, he stated.Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, represented by Mr. Charles Nwoke, Executive Director, Risk Management, Fidelity Bank noted that “As the market leader in airline financing in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is proud to support Ibom Air in this venture.His words “The partnership reflects our commitment to being the bank of choice for the people of Akwa Ibom State. And we pledge to do more for our valued customers as we continue to pursue our corporate mandate of helping individuals to grow, businesses to thrive and economies to prosper.’’Enugu AirAnd the recently launched Enugu Air was also made possible with a strong financial support of Fidelity Bank.Its Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described the launch of Enugu Air as a powerful affirmation that the nation’s aviation sector is major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.Speaking at the official launch of the Enugu Air held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, she stated that ‘Fidelity Bank is proud to finance tomorrow’s opportunities today, noting that the bank’s support for Enugu Air aligns with its belief in aviation as a catalyst for growth’.“It is an honour to join you today as we celebrate the official launch of Enugu Air. As the lead financier of this visionary project, our support for Enugu Air reflects our long-standing belief in aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and national transformation.“At Fidelity Bank, we stand firmly behind its potential to unlock new corridors of opportunity by boosting tourism, accelerating commerce, and creating thousands of jobs across the Southeast. We are proud to finance tomorrow’s opportunities today, a powerful affirmation that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ in Enugu State and across Nigeria’s aviation sector.” she stated.CTC signing by NigeriaLed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima and Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria recently signed the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Direction in the aviation sector, aimed at reducing the cost of airline operations. This move is expected to facilitate aircraft leasing and financing, potentially leading to lower flight costs for passengers.CTC is a treaty designed to facilitate asset-based financing and leasing of aviation equipment, expand financing opportunities, and reduce costs – thereby providing substantial economic benefits. It is believed that this move by government will continue to encourage Fidelity Bank to support more domestic airlines that have hitherto found it difficult to access funds for fleet and route expansion.

L-R: Cynthia Sanyaolu, Head, Talent Management, Polaris Bank; Mathew Oji, Product Strategy, Polaris Bank; and Olanrewaju Oyekunle, Head, HR Operations, Polaris Bank, at the 2026 Jobberman Partners’ Convening in Lagos, where Polaris Bank was honoured with the Private Sector Champion Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to youth employment, talent development, and workforce empowerment across Nigeria.

Lagos, Nigeria – May 7, 2026 – Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial bank, has been honoured with the Private Sector Champion Award at the 2026 Jobberman Partners’ Convening held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in recognition of the Bank’s outstanding and stellar contributions to youth employment, talent development, and workforce empowerment across Nigeria.The award recognises private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing youth employability through impactful recruitment initiatives, graduate trainee programmes, executive hiring support, candidate assessment programmes, and strategic partnerships that create sustainable career opportunities for young Nigerians.Organised by Jobberman, Nigeria’s leading recruitment and career development platform, the annual convening brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, development organisations, and industry leaders to deliberate on practical and scalable solutions for addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria.Speaking on the recognition, Cynthia Sanyaolu, Head Talent Management at Polaris Bank reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s workforce through strategic people-focused initiatives designed to create long-term economic and social impact.“This recognition reflects Polaris Bank’s unwavering belief in the potential of the Nigerian youths and our commitment to building platforms that enable them thrive professionally and economically,” Cynthia stated. “At Polaris Bank, we see talent development and youth empowerment as critical drivers of national growth and sustainable development.”Themed: “From Impact to Action: Collectively Designing the Future of Youth Employment in Nigeria,” the convening focused on fostering collaboration between the private sector and other stakeholders to expand access to meaningful employment opportunities and equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities required to succeed in an evolving economy.On the recognition, Jobberman commended Polaris Bank for consistently going beyond transactional partnerships to deliver measurable impact within Nigeria’s employment ecosystem. The renowned recruitment firm described Polaris Bank as a credible and purpose-driven institution committed to advancing youth employability and supporting the future of work in Nigeria.Over the years, Polaris Bank has continued to invest in initiatives that promote learning, career growth, workforce inclusion, and economic empowerment. Through strategic Graduate Trainee recruitment programmes via its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Training (TechIGNITE), among other talent development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, the Bank remains committed to supporting the next generation of Nigerian professionals while contributing to national development.The recognition further reinforces Polaris Bank’s position as a leading socially responsible financial institution dedicated to driving sustainable impact through innovation, strategic partnerships, and people-centered initiatives that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across Nigeria.-END-

Photo caption:
L-R: Deputy President, Valorem Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Olamide Wilson; Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Director, JKS Special Needs Academy, Abuja, Nifemi Ajileye; Team Lead, Human Resources Business Partner, Abuja and North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Aishatu Sambo; and President, Valorem Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ekeh Adaora; at the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) CSR Outreach in Abuja recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), has funded critical support for the JKS Special Needs Academy in Abuja to ensure continued shelter and care for vulnerable children.

The intervention was facilitated by a group of the bank’s newly recruited employees known as Team Valorem, as part of their induction activities. Through the FHHP, employees are empowered to actively contribute to social development by dedicating their time, resources and skills to impactful projects. Projects executed under the initiative are employee-driven, with teams encouraged to identify causes, contribute fifty percent of the project funding, while the bank matches the contribution.

Speaking during the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Bank’s CSR pillars focused on health & social welfare, and youth empowerment.

“This intervention reflects our belief that building a better society is a shared responsibility. Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, we empower our employees to actively contribute to meaningful social causes. The funding provided will secure the orphanage’s accommodation for an additional year, ensuring a stable and safe environment for the children. This support guarantees that these children continue to have a place they can call home,” Nwagboh remarked.

He also commended caregivers at the facility for their dedication and called for increased focus on empowerment and skill development for children with special needs.

“Beyond providing basic needs, we must provide these children with opportunities to develop skills and become self-reliant. Everyone, regardless of their physical or socio-economic status, has a role to play in the society,” he said.

In her response, Director of JKS Special Needs Academy, Mrs. Nifemi Ajileye, expressed deep appreciation to Fidelity Bank and its staff for the timely intervention.

“We are truly grateful to Fidelity Bank for this support. It will significantly improve the welfare of the children under our care and help us sustain our operations,” she said.

Ajileye highlighted the high cost of caring for children with disabilities, stating that, “Many of the children require continuous medical attention and therapy, which are quite expensive. Support like this helps us bridge critical gaps and continue delivering quality care. This support from Fidelity Bank is timely and it means the world to us and to these children. It will help us continue our work and secure a better future for them,” she added, while calling for sustained support from other organisations.

As an institution with a heart for people, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility by driving inclusive growth and social impact through initiatives that empower communities and improve lives across Nigeria.

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.

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.