Fidelity Bank Clinches DBN Award for Boosting MSME Credit Access

By Benjamin A. Ameh
L -R: Nneoma Onuoha, Acting Team Lead, Development Finance & Intervention Funds, Fidelity Bank Plc; Anthony Asonye, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Impact Credit Guarantee Limited (ICGL); Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking; Imaobong Nkanta, Product Manager, SME Banking; and Chiwuike Okere, Team Lead, SME Banking, (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); at the Development Bank of Nigeria Service Ambassadors Award which held recently in Lagos.

Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of small business development after clinching the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Award for recording the Highest Impact on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Accessing Formal Credit for the First Time.
The prestigious recognition celebrates the deposit money bank that has made the greatest impact in bringing previously unbanked and credit-excluded businesses into Nigeria’s formal financial system, underscoring Fidelity Bank’s strategic commitment to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship development and sustainable economic growth.
The award comes at a critical time when access to affordable finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing Nigeria’s millions of MSMEs, which contribute significantly to employment creation and national economic output.
Expanding Financial Inclusion
Reacting to the recognition, the Divisional Head of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking at Fidelity Bank Plc, Ugochi Osinigwe, described the award as a validation of the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs.
She expressed appreciation to the Development Bank of Nigeria for acknowledging the institution’s efforts in helping thousands of businesses secure formal financing for the very first time.
According to her, Fidelity Bank remains committed to delivering more than just loans by providing entrepreneurs with comprehensive business support.
“We sincerely thank the Development Bank of Nigeria for this recognition, which affirms the impact of our work in expanding access to finance for MSMEs, especially businesses accessing formal credit for the first time.
“At Fidelity Bank, we remain devoted to supporting SMEs with the right mix of funding, advisory services, capacity building, market access and digital solutions that enable them to grow, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Osinigwe noted that the latest recognition would further motivate the bank to deepen its interventions and continue providing practical solutions that enable businesses to overcome growth challenges.
Building on a Strong Track Record
The latest award adds to Fidelity Bank’s growing list of achievements in MSME financing through its longstanding partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria.
In 2025, the bank won the DBN Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank category for designing innovative financial products tailored to small businesses.
Earlier, in 2020, it received the DBN Service Award for Highest Disbursement to DBN-Focused Locations, recognising its outstanding contribution to expanding affordable financing across underserved communities.
These recognitions reflect the bank’s consistent investment in enterprise development and inclusive banking.
Beyond Lending: Building Stronger Businesses
Industry observers say Fidelity Bank has distinguished itself by adopting a holistic approach to SME development that extends beyond providing credit.
Among its flagship initiatives is the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos—a dedicated entrepreneurship centre equipped with modern training facilities, business advisory services, networking spaces, meeting rooms and creative studios that help business owners improve productivity and brand visibility.
The bank also recently introduced the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, a strategic platform bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, business executives and industry experts to discuss innovation, trade, sustainability and business expansion.
The inaugural edition, held in Port Harcourt, focused on helping distribution and trading businesses scale sustainably while exposing participants to valuable networking opportunities and expert advisory support.
Equipping Entrepreneurs with Practical Skills
Fidelity Bank continues to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity through its SME Masterclass Series, which provides practical training on pricing strategies, product quality improvement, digital marketing, online sales, branding and international business expansion.
The programme equips entrepreneurs with practical knowledge that can immediately improve competitiveness, profitability and long-term sustainability.
Supporting Government Intervention Programmes
The bank also serves as one of the key participating financial institutions in the disbursement of the Federal Government’s MSME Intervention Funds administered by the Bank of Industry.
Its intervention places particular emphasis on supporting qualified small businesses and women-owned enterprises across Nigeria.
Leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital banking platforms and experienced relationship managers, Fidelity Bank continues to extend structured financial support to entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities.
Opening Global Markets for Nigerian Businesses
Recognising that access to markets is as important as access to finance, Fidelity Bank has expanded its support to include export promotion initiatives.
Through the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect, the bank connects Nigerian businesses with buyers and investment opportunities in international markets, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States.
The bank also partners with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Lagos Business School on the Export Management Programme, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and international networks needed to compete globally.
Reducing Lending Risks for Small Businesses
Fidelity Bank’s collaboration with the National Credit Guarantee Company has further strengthened access to finance by reducing lending risks while promoting financial literacy and sound business management among MSMEs.
The partnership helps entrepreneurs utilise borrowed funds effectively and build resilient, sustainable enterprises capable of long-term growth.
A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Enterprise Development
Analysts say Fidelity Bank’s strategy stands out because it combines affordable financing with advisory services, entrepreneurship training, digital innovation, export promotion, strategic partnerships and market access.
Rather than viewing lending as an isolated service, the bank has developed an integrated ecosystem that supports businesses throughout their growth journey.