In this COVID-19 era where movement is restricted in some major parts of the world – including
Nigeria – with many Banks and businesses reengineering efforts to improve the adaptability of
their customers to electronic ways of carrying out business, Firstmonie Agents, an agent
banking initiative from First Bank of Nigeria Limited is bridging the gaps and helping people to
meet their needs of accessing the funds to buy food items and groceries as well as to send
money to their loved ones.
This is one of the many measures by the premier financial institution in Nigeria to support the
need to promote social distancing and the reduction of physical interactions of people in large
numbers, thereby guarding against the spread of the coronavirus.
FirstBank introduced this innovative channel three years ago, with the aim of bringing banking to
close those who live in the rural areas and to every Nigerian -regardless of where they are in the
country.
Firstmonie Agents also ensure individuals in the suburbs do not have to travel for long hours to
the city for their banking activities. The gap between the tech-savvy and the low literacy clients
has been bridged as Firstmonie Agent network represents the convenient and comfortable
alternative for customers that are unacquainted with the sophisticated digital channels.
With over 53,000 Firstmonie Agents spread across 99% Local Government Areas in the
country, the laudable initiative by FirstBank is another way to bank – without visiting a Bank –
which allows you to make cash deposit, transfer money to any bank and enjoy other banking
services like bills payment and purchase of recharge card amongst others.
Recently, Halima, a FirstBank customer who is a housewife and petty trader, residing in a
remote area in Abuja expressed her delight on the Firstmonie Agent initiative as she was able to
easily get cash from an agent nearby to procure groceries for herself and her three children. Her
bank being far away in Garki was too far to visit to get money. Thanks to Firstmonie which she
discovered through her co-tenant, her joy knew no bounds as Halima was able to access her
money at the Firstmonie Agent outlet close to her, as well as send money to her mother in far
away, Maiduguri in Borno State.
Another customer in Lagos, Adeoye, a civil servant also lauded this brilliant initiative from
FirstBank and narrated his experience when he visited the stand of Firstmonie in Ojota area of
Ogudu, Lagos. He explained that he was able to do his transaction with ease.
According to Mrs. Sadia Folorunsho, she said ‘I did not know FirstBank has this wonderful
service within my area as it actually saved my family from hunger as I was able to perform
banking activities without being in the bank,’ she stated.
These are what the management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, led by its CEO, Dr. Adesola
Adeduntan has been able to make available well ahead of time, since no one knew there might
be a pandemic that will warrant a lockdown.
Its Firstmonie Agents at every nook and cranny in Nigeria has been able to remove the burden
from the shoulders of Nigerians and allow many to carry out several transactions at Firstmonie
Agent locations, within close proximity of their home.
Firstmonie Agent banking is a channel specifically designed by FirstBank to bring financial
services closer to the unbanked and underbanked segment of the society whilst promoting
existing businesses within the communities to deliver their services and contribute to the growth
and development of the economy.
With the spread of its Agent Banking network, FirstBank has been able to indirectly create over
150,000 jobs as the Firstmonie Agents have had to employ the services of other individuals to
build their businesses and meet the financial needs of individuals in its community.
So far, the Bank has deepened financial inclusion through Firstmonie Agents with 237.3 million
transactions processed through the network at a monetary value of over 4.08 Trillion Naira.
Culled from Nairametrics
https://nairametrics.com/2020/04/23/covid-19-firstbanks-firstmonie-leads-the-pace-in-agent-banking/
