A leading commercial bank in Nigeria First Bank of Nigeria Plc has set another pace for others to follow with the newly introduced initiatives being displayed by the bank to confront the challenges posed to banking sector by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. This has positioned the bank as first among equal.
Findings revealed that, following the outbreak of the pandemic, especially as it became obvious that government would order a near total lockdown that could affect the movement of bank patrons from accessing money, management of First bank took a proactive measure to step up the service being rendered through the use of its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) centres.
According to source, we gathered that the bank opined that since it would be difficult for customers to do any on -the -counter transaction, it immediately placed over three thousand personnel on its ATM services alone.
This measure it was gathered, in no little way, enhanced its service provision even as it projected the image of the financial house.
Analysts observed that the banks influence has grown tremendously since the pandemic, as its deployment of adequate manpower to handle its many ATM has attracted much commendation.
Recall also that FBN had before now announced the donation of N1 billion to the joint effort by the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19.
Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, while announcing the donation said the donation was to rapidly expand health facilities, especially for testing, isolation and treatment, in the fight against COVID-19.
He said it was also for the provision of Intensive Care Unit facilities pivotal to controlling the spread and importantly treating individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
The bank chief said the donation was in addition to the bank’s drive to move one million children to e-learning, together with an early partner – Roducate – as recommended by the Ministry of Education, Lagos State.
He said the bank had also reiterated its preparedness to provide essential banking services through its alternative channels to customers in line with the stay home directive for Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
He said: “We promise to continue to look at all areas of intervention where our business infrastructure, reach, digital platforms and other natural strengths lie and can be deployed to further support all efforts for Nigerians; young and old alike.
