Fidelity Bank Kicks Off Disbursement of FGN MSME Intervention Funds, Prioritizes Women Entrepreneurs

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Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading tier-one lenders, has begun the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds. The scheme, managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI), is aimed at boosting small businesses nationwide, with the current phase placing special emphasis on women-owned enterprises.

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to make affordable financing available to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all 36 states. For Fidelity Bank, the initiative aligns with its strategic commitment to inclusive growth and its long-standing support for Nigeria’s SME sector. By spotlighting women entrepreneurs, the bank is reinforcing its belief in their central role in innovation, job creation, and wealth generation.

Speaking on the development, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said:

“As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention. For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to sustainable economic development.”

Fidelity Bank has built a robust structure to guarantee smooth onboarding and disbursement of the funds. With its expansive branch network, advanced digital platforms, and dedicated relationship managers, the bank is set to extend support to entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities.

This latest intervention builds on Fidelity Bank’s track record as a leading SME-focused lender. In Lagos earlier this year, the bank launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub. The initiative equipped 100 growth-ready businesses with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, inventory support, receipt printers, and six months of monitoring—alongside masterclasses and training sessions, all at no cost.

In May 2025, Fidelity Bank also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The agreement focused on delivering low-interest financing, capacity-building, and market access for SMEs referred under the scheme.

Ede further emphasized that Fidelity’s approach goes beyond lending:

“Our vision is to build a supportive ecosystem for SMEs. This includes capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to new markets. Women entrepreneurs will benefit from a larger share of this fund as part of our gender-inclusion strategy.”

Through the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, Fidelity Bank seeks to expand affordable financing opportunities for Nigeria’s entrepreneurs while deepening its impact on the SME ecosystem. The bank hopes the program will catalyze job creation, support sustainable development, and strengthen economic resilience nationwide.

Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital banking channels, 255 business offices, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has consistently been recognized for excellence, including awards such as:

  • 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award – BusinessDay BAFI Awards
  • Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application 2024 – Global Business Outlook
  • Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider 2024 – Global Brands Magazine
  • Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria 2024 – Euromoney Awards for Excellence
  • Export Financing Bank of the Year 2024 – BusinessDay BAFI Awards

With this new intervention, Fidelity Bank is reaffirming its leadership as a key driver of SME growth and women-led business empowerment in Nigeria.

 


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