By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs), positioning itself as a strategic partner beyond traditional banking services.
The commitment was restated by the bank’s management during a keynote address delivered by the Executive Director, South, Pamela Shodipo, at the SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt.
The forum, themed “Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” brought together entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders and business owners to discuss strategies for expanding operations, strengthening distribution networks and improving access to growth opportunities.
Shodipo said the bank’s objective is to help Nigerian businesses become more competitive and create sustainable value within their communities and the broader economy.
She noted that Port Harcourt remains a key commercial hub with strong influence across trade, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and the energy sector, describing it as a critical driver of economic activity in Nigeria’s South-South region.
According to her, trade and distribution businesses play a vital role in connecting producers to consumers, supporting supply chains, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods.
She added that Fidelity Bank has continued to implement initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs, including the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which links businesses to international markets such as the United Kingdom and United States.
Other initiatives highlighted include partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Lagos Business School Export Management Programme, and the bank’s SME Hub, which provides advisory and capacity-building support.
Also speaking at the event, Divisional Head of SMEs at Fidelity Bank, Ugochi Osinigwe, said the forum was designed to equip business owners with practical knowledge and networking opportunities to drive growth.
She stressed that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond financial services.
Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for providing a platform that addresses real business challenges and offers practical solutions.
Several attendees described the session as timely and impactful, calling for continued engagement and wider access to forum materials to support implementation.
Fidelity Bank Plc said the SME Quarterly Business Forum is part of its broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development across Nigeria.
