130 Anniversary

130 Years of Putting You First

For FirstBank, 2024 is a special year as it marks the 130th anniversary of the company.

Since 1894, FirstBank has stood together with the Nigerian people through ground-breaking historical events, from amalgamation in 1914 to the national independence in 1960 and through many military and democratic regimes. Our story is the story of Nigeria and the Nigerian people.

Celebrating 130 years of unwavering trust, our journey is not just a timeline; it’s a testament to the faith people place in us. As we embrace the legacy of the past, it serves as a powerful prologue to the extraordinary impact we are committed to making for the next 130 years. Our story unfolds with each chapter, and the journey is only beginning. Join us as we continue to create a lasting impact that resonates for generations to come.

1894 – 1903

1

Incorporated in 1894 and headquartered in Marina, the heart of Lagos, where we still have our headquarters to date.

1904 – 1913

2

FirstBank has shown business leadership since its inception, having acquired its competitor, Anglo-African Bank in 1912, in the very first Merger & Acquisition recorded in this region.

1914 – 1953

3

At amalgamation in 1914, FirstBank was the first commercial bank to have branches in what would today be Kano, Zaria, Calabar, Lagos and Ibadan.

1954 – 1963

4

At Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, FirstBank advanced the first ever loans to the citizens of the independent Nigeria, thus starting true retail banking in Nigeria.

1964 – 1973

5

First listing on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) allows Nigerians to buy/own a part of the FirstBank heritage, tapping into the huge potential of the financial services powerhouse.

1974 – 1983

6

FirstBank London Branch established to foster international banking relationships for Nigerian and foreign businesses alike.

1984 – 1993

7

First ATM introduced in 35 Marina as part of ease of convenience and round the clock banking.

1994 – 2003

8

Revalidated business transformation project code-named “Century II: The New Frontier”, to revolutionise the Bank’s operations in line with the dynamics of the operating environment, strengthen the FirstBank brand to leverage and heighten customers’ experience, and project FirstBank as innovative, creative and dynamic.

2004 – 2013

9

FirstBank won The Nigerian Stock Exchange Annual President’s Merit Award for the 2003 Financial Year.

2014 – 2023

10

Major technology-driven innovations introduced resulting in FirstBank’s evolution from a traditional Bank to a technology company rendering financial services.