By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank Nigeria will host and sponsor the West Africa International Banking Dialogue & Awards Gala 2026 in Lagos on October 14, bringing together banking leaders, regulators, policymakers and industry experts to discuss the future of financial services in the region.
The event will focus on key industry issues, including digital transformation, financial inclusion, regulatory developments, sustainable finance and regional economic integration.
According to the bank, the event also comes amid recent industry recognition, with FirstBank named Best Retail Bank in Nigeria, Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by The Asian Banker.
The bank said it received the Best Retail Bank in Nigeria award for the ninth time in 2025 and has earned recognition for its support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria and across Africa in consecutive years.
Speaking ahead of the event, FirstBank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the dialogue would provide an opportunity for industry leaders to discuss issues shaping the future of banking in West Africa.
He said FirstBank remained committed to driving innovation, expanding financial inclusion, promoting sustainable growth and creating value for stakeholders.
Alebiosu added that hosting the event reflected the bank’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening the contribution of the banking sector to economic development across Africa.
The gala is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, explore emerging opportunities and develop collaborative solutions to support the growth and transformation of financial services across West Africa.
FirstBank said the initiative aligns with its commitment to industry collaboration, financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
