Fidelity Bank has once again reinforced its market leadership as the tier-one lender received double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards 2025.
At the event held on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Fidelity Bank was named the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and the “Most Innovative Bank of the Year.”
The recognition further establishes Fidelity Bank’s strong presence in Nigeria’s financial sector, highlighting its consistent efforts in supporting businesses and driving economic growth.
Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, represented by the Executive Director, Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, expressed gratitude to the bank’s customers and partners.
“This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP),” Amuchie said. “I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”
The BAFI Awards, which have become the benchmark for excellence within Nigeria’s financial services industry, are now in their 12th year. The event celebrates organisations that demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership, and innovation in financial service delivery.
Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to its significant accomplishments in the past year. Among these milestones is the funding of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field. The terminal, commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, marks a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s export capacity.
In addition, the bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a dedicated multipurpose facility aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building programs.
Fidelity Bank also hosted the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. The event connected Nigerian businesses with international buyers, including major U.S. retailers such as Walmart and Target, creating new trade opportunities and partnerships.
“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance,” Amuchie added. “We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry.”