By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank, one of West Africa’s leading banks and a pioneer in financial inclusion, has announced plans to launch specialized financial services tailored for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.
The initiative is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting financial inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity. FirstBank’s internal policies reflect this focus, with women making up approximately 41% of employees and 37% of management roles. The bank also runs the FirstBank Women Network, aimed at addressing the gender gap and boosting women’s participation at all levels. Its membership in UN Women further underscores adherence to the Women Empowerment Principles, emphasizing inclusion, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination.
Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, stated, “Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We are providing services that are accessible and affordable for visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints, enabling them to manage their accounts independently and securely.”
The rollout will occur in phases across all FirstBank subsidiaries and locations. Measures include transaction documents in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats; ATMs upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice prompts; and cards featuring tactile motifs and braille inscriptions. Existing security features such as soft PINs and tokens will also be enhanced, and product brochures will be available in braille and audio formats.
The bank’s initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.
By embedding accessibility into its core operations, FirstBank aims to set a new standard for inclusive banking, ensuring that all customers can manage their financial affairs independently, regardless of physical ability.
