FirstBank Charts New Course for Intra- and Intercontinental Growth Under Alebiosu’s Leadership

FirstBank Charts New Course for Intra- and Intercontinental Growth Under Alebiosu’s Leadership

FirstBank of Nigeria is making bold moves to expand its footprint across Africa and beyond, driven by a clear vision and decisive leadership under its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu.

While the bank continues to push for geographical and horizontal expansion, it is also aiming high—literally. In March 2025, FirstBank held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming 44-storey, green-certified head office building at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. The iconic structure underscores the bank’s ambition and confidence in the future.

Alebiosu has also placed a strong emphasis on technological transformation. Under his leadership, the bank has accelerated its process automation drive, integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into core operations. These efforts are designed to sharpen the bank’s competitive edge and solidify its position as an innovation leader in the Nigerian financial services industry.

Digitalisation is central to this vision. FirstBank has introduced tools that streamline account opening processes and enhance backend efficiency and customer service. Two additional Digital Experience Centres (DXCs) were launched recently—one at Lekki Admiralty Way in Lagos and another at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State.

The bank’s agency banking network has also seen remarkable growth. From 230,000 agents in 2023, the network has expanded to over 280,000 as of 2025—an increase of 50,000 agents—significantly improving access to banking services nationwide.

Shareholders and stakeholders have taken notice of these advances, particularly as they reflect in the bank’s financials. The bank’s latest financial statement reveals that its parent company posted its highest after-tax profit in 12 years for the financial year ended December 2024—a testament to the bank’s renewed strategic direction.

In recognition of his transformative leadership, Alebiosu has received significant accolades. He was named “Banking CEO of the Year – Nigeria 2025” at the World Business Outlook Awards and also received the “Special African Banking Leadership Award” from African Leadership Magazine in 2024.

Alebiosu’s journey at the helm of FirstBank is one of visionary leadership built on solid foundations. Working closely with the board and executive team, he has not only preserved the bank’s long-standing legacy but also positioned it for a future of sustained growth and continental relevance.

With its strategic blueprint already yielding measurable results, FirstBank stands poised to drive greater impact across Africa and globally in the years ahead.