FirstBank Unveils Inclusive Banking Services for Physically Challenged Customers
FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution, is set to roll out specialised financial services designed to meet the needs of blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.
The initiative, part of the bank’s broader financial inclusion strategy, underscores its commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and accessible banking. It also reflects FirstBank’s alignment with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion policy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking on the project, the bank’s Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said the move was aimed at ensuring that no customer is excluded from managing their finances.
“Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely,” he stated.
The inclusive banking model will be implemented in phases across the FirstBank Group’s subsidiaries and locations. Documents such as transaction slips and product brochures will be produced in braille, large print, audio, and digital formats.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will be upgraded with high-contrast screens, voice-prompt commands, and tactile features on cards, while secure tokens and soft PIN systems will be enhanced for seamless access to banking channels.
FirstBank’s push for accessibility is not new. The bank’s policies already reflect a deliberate strategy to promote diversity, with women making up about 41 per cent of its workforce and 37 per cent of its management positions. The FirstBank Women Network and its membership in the UN Women initiative further underscore its commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
With this latest intervention, FirstBank is positioning itself as a leader in ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking by ensuring that individuals living with disabilities can manage their financial affairs without dependence on third parties.
