FirstBank Unveils Inclusive Banking Services for Persons with Disabilities
Favour Rotimi
FirstBank, one of West Africa’s leading financial institutions, has announced plans to roll out specialised banking services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its network.
The initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and diversity, extending beyond its long-standing gender equity policies. Currently, women make up 41% of its workforce, with 37% in management roles, while initiatives such as the FirstBank Women Network and its membership in UN Women reinforce its pledge to equality and empowerment.
Speaking on the new development, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of FirstBank’s Sustainability Committee, said:
“Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We are ensuring that visually impaired and physically challenged customers can manage their accounts independently, securely, and with dignity.”
The bank plans to introduce the services in phases across all subsidiaries. Measures include transaction documents in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats; ATMs with high-contrast screens and voice prompts; and tactile bank cards featuring braille markings. Security features such as soft PINs and tokens will also be enhanced, while product brochures will be produced in accessible formats.
FirstBank noted that the effort aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both of which promote equal access to financial services.
By embedding accessibility into its operations, FirstBank said it aims to create a future where people with disabilities can independently manage their finances
