Fidelity Bank Reinforces Support for Northern Nigeria’s SMEs at Kano Business Forum

Fidelity Bank Plc, a premier financial institution, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through its Kano edition of the Quarterly Business Forum. This event brought together entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders, and customers to explore actionable strategies for business resilience and expansion.

Under the theme, “Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth,” participants gained invaluable insights into strengthening operations, expanding access to finance, optimizing financial management, and leveraging opportunities for sustainable enterprise development across Northern Nigeria.

During the event, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the region’s vital role in Nigeria’s economic future. “The North occupies a critical place in Nigeria’s economic future. With its vast agricultural resources, strong trading culture, manufacturing capacity and large consumer market, the region has enormous potential for sustainable economic growth. Fidelity Bank remains committed to helping businesses unlock this potential through financing, market access, advisory support and strategic partnerships,” he said.

Garba also highlighted the bank’s holistic approach to supporting businesses beyond just providing funds. “Supporting businesses is central to our purpose, and our ambition is to be more than a provider of funds. We want to be a trusted partner that understands businesses and provides the financing, knowledge, connections and solutions they need to grow. Kano and the wider North have the talent, enterprise and resources to play a leading role in Nigeria’s economic future, and Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting that growth,” he emphasized.

Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head of SME Banking at Fidelity Bank, added that the forum serves as a platform for direct engagement with entrepreneurs, aiming to understand their unique challenges. “This forum is more than an engagement; it is a listening platform. We are here to deepen our relationships, understand the unique challenges facing businesses across sectors and hear directly from entrepreneurs on how we can serve them better. Our commitment goes beyond traditional banking, as we continue to provide products, advisory services and partnerships that help businesses build, scale and thrive,” she stated.

She also noted the bank’s efforts to reduce the cost of doing business through zero-maintenance-fee accounts and capacity-building programs that equip entrepreneurs with essential business skills such as record keeping, financial management, and access to finance.

Participants lauded Fidelity Bank for creating a practical platform that fosters meaningful dialogue and tangible support for entrepreneurs. Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye, CEO of I.G. Best Company, remarked, “Fidelity Bank has demonstrated that its commitment to SMEs goes beyond access to credit. Platforms such as this provide valuable knowledge and connections that can make a real difference to growing businesses.”

Similarly, Mr. Sufiyanu Salisu Ahmad, Managing Director of Nabila Oil Mills, appreciated the bank’s proactive approach. “I appreciate Fidelity Bank for creating this platform to engage directly with entrepreneurs and understand the challenges we face. It is encouraging to see a bank take such a practical approach to supporting businesses,” he said.

This quarterly forum forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s SME ecosystem through access to finance, enterprise development, financial education, and strategic support. The bank’s efforts have been recognized nationally and internationally, including winning the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassadors Award for its impact on MSMEs’ credit access and deepening financial inclusion.

Ranked among Nigeria’s top banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital channels, 255 branches nationwide, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received numerous accolades, including the 2025 DBN Innovation Award, Best Retail and SME Bank, and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the Euromoney Awards.