FirstBank has launched its seventh fully automated Digital Xperience Centre in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, reinforcing its leadership role in revolutionizing financial management for millions of Nigerians.
With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, the bank remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s banking industry, serving over 42 million customers through an expansive network of more than 700 branches and a vast army of over 200,000 FirstMonie agents nationwide.
As global banking shifts towards digital innovation, FirstBank-credited with introducing cheques and ATMs to Nigeria-is now at the forefront of this evolution, continuously pioneering new ways to enhance banking experiences.
The newly unveiled Digital Xperience Centre is a cutting-edge, fully automated hub that offers customers a seamless, paperless, and self-service banking environment. Clients can perform a wide range of transactions such as instant account openings, cash deposits, and withdrawals, all powered by intelligent systems available 24/7.
Olusegun Alebiosu, FirstBank’s Group CEO, highlighted at the launch, “Our commitment is to digital innovation that empowers customers to effortlessly open accounts, make deposits, and access vital services anytime-even on weekends.”
Beyond its sleek glass exterior and interactive digital displays, the centre integrates sophisticated artificial intelligence and stringent cybersecurity protocols. Alebiosu explained that the bank employs a triple-layer security system combining account credentials, biometric verification, and mobile authentication to swiftly detect and prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring client safety.
From Traditional Roots to Digital Banking Vanguard
Founded in 1894, FirstBank has consistently evolved alongside Nigeria’s economic and technological landscape, often leading transformative changes.
The Digital Xperience Centres represent a major advancement, shifting from traditional branch formats to intelligent, interactive spaces designed to serve Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy population.
Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), who attended the Abuja launch, praised the initiative, stating, “This centre sets a new standard for digital banking excellence. FirstBank proves that innovation and security can coexist, paving the way for the future.”
Currently, six other Digital Xperience Centres operate in Lagos, Ibadan, Nsukka, and Abuja, with plans to establish an eighth in Kano, as well as additional centres in Benin and on various university campuses nationwide.
Idris Ado Ibrahim, Group Executive of Retail Banking North Division at FirstBank, noted that this project aims to enhance operational efficiency, shorten customer wait times, and improve overall user satisfaction.
He further revealed plans to replicate this model in other major Nigerian cities, stating, “We intend to situate these centres in high-traffic areas where there is a strong demand for 24/7 banking services.”
Guests at the event expressed optimism that this innovation will reduce queues and increase convenience, aligning perfectly with FirstBank’s mission to provide banking services “anytime, anywhere.”
Additionally, the Digital Xperience Centre is designed to foster financial inclusion by making modern banking accessible to millions, including those in underserved regions.
Chike Uzoma, head of strategy and corporate development, described the Abuja centre as “a landmark achievement in FirstBank’s quest to enhance customer convenience and loyalty.” He added, “Our platform guarantees that customers can bank freely around the clock, independent of traditional branch hours.”
Serving a broad spectrum of clients-from individuals and SMEs to large corporations-FirstBank continues to bolster its digital infrastructure.
Its agency banking arm, FirstMonie, has processed transactions exceeding ₦25 trillion, establishing it as one of Africa’s largest financial inclusion networks.
The inauguration of the latest Digital Xperience Centre in Abuja marks a bold step forward, underscoring FirstBank’s steadfast commitment to delivering secure, innovative, and accessible banking solutions built on trust and advanced technology.