FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a recognized leader in financial inclusion, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.
This is reflected in its gender balance policies, with women accounting for 41 per cent of its workforce and 37 per cent of management positions, as well as through the FirstBank Women Network, which promotes increased female participation at all levels.
FirstBank’s efforts are consistent with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both of which call for equal access to financial services.
The Bank’s membership of UN Women further affirms its adherence to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) on equal opportunity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination.
Commenting on the launch, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of FirstBank’s Sustainability Committee, said: “Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing solutions that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. With these services, customers can manage their accounts independently and securely.”
The new services will be rolled out in phases across all subsidiaries of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be enhanced with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while newly issued cards will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition.
Commenting on the launch, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of FirstBank’s Sustainability Committee, said: “Everyone deserves access to financial services, whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing solutions that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. With these services, customers can manage their accounts independently and securely.”
The new services will be rolled out in phases across all subsidiaries of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be enhanced with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while newly issued cards will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition.
Existing soft PINs and tokens will also be strengthened to improve secure access to banking channels, while product brochures will be produced in braille and audio formats to support customer understanding.
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FirstBank’s efforts are consistent with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both of which call for equal access to financial services.
ITREALMS gathered that by embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is shaping a future where individuals, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without dependence on third parties. In doing so, FirstBank is setting a new benchmark for ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible banking in Nigeria.
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