…Reaffirms Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has commenced the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds—administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI)—to qualified small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the country, with a strategic focus on empowering women-owned businesses.
The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is a nationwide initiative aimed at providing accessible and affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all 36 states of the federation. The program aligns with Fidelity Bank’s sustained commitment to inclusive economic growth and its long-standing role as a key driver of Nigeria’s SME sector.
In this phase of the intervention, the bank is prioritizing support for women entrepreneurs, underscoring its belief in the catalytic role that women-led businesses play in driving innovation, sustainable development, and job creation.
Speaking on the initiative, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, said:
“As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this vital intervention. For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”
To ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement process, Fidelity Bank has deployed a robust operational framework leveraging its extensive branch network, advanced digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers. This structure ensures that entrepreneurs across both urban and rural communities can easily access the funds and related support.
Fidelity Bank’s role in administering the FGN MSME Intervention Fund further strengthens its position as one of Nigeria’s most active supporters of SME development. The bank has consistently launched and sustained initiatives designed to build capacity and drive growth in the sector.
Recently, the bank launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos. This flagship initiative provided 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, receipt printers, barcode scanners, inventory tools, bookkeeping and branding training, three-day masterclasses, and six months of post-installation support—all at no cost to participants.
Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity Bank also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to deliver SME-friendly, low-interest financing, capacity-building support, and enhanced market access for enterprises referred under the agreement.
“Our vision goes beyond financing,” Ede added. “We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering training, mentorship, and access to markets. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will receive a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion.”
Through this new phase of the FGN MSME Intervention Fund, Fidelity Bank aims to expand access to affordable financing and strategic business support, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem. The initiative is expected to accelerate job creation, enhance productivity, and promote economic resilience nationwide.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received multiple local and international recognitions, including:
2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (BusinessDay BAFI Awards)
2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application (Global Business Outlook)
2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider (Global Brands Magazine)
Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence)
Export Financing Bank of the Year (BusinessDay BAFI Awards)
