Access, Fidelity, UBA win big at NewsDirect 15th Anniversary Awards

It was a night of accolades and industry affirmation for the Nigerian banking sector as Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) emerged winners at the Nigerian NewsDirect 15th Anniversary and Awards Ceremony.

Held in Lagos, the event brought together captains of industry, political heavyweights, and media executives to celebrate excellence in governance and enterprise. While the political class was represented by Governors from Lagos, Ogun, and Kogi states, the financial sector saw three of its tier-1 giants take center stage for their exceptional performance.

Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest lender by assets, was recognized for its aggressive expansion and sustained dominance in the financial ecosystem. The Bank bagged the Bank of the Year (Corporate & Investment Banking).

United Bank for Africa (UBA) was also celebrated for its unrivalled global footprint and Pan-African integration. The bank, which operates in 20 African countries and key global financial centers, was honoured for its role in facilitating cross-border trade and acting as a financial bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. The award acknowledged UBA's resilience in navigating global economic headwinds while delivering consistent value to shareholderseveraging technological innovation.

Fidelity Bank Plc, renowned for its strategic support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), was feted for its market impact and consistent growth trajectory. The bank was recognized as the MSME Bank of the Year for redefining the customer experience and effectively supporting the non-oil export sector, a critical component of the federal government’s economic diversification agenda.

Speaking on the significance of the awards, the Publisher and Executive Director of NewsDirect, Prince Mathew Adesegun Ibiyemi, noted that the recognition was not just about profitability but about resilience and impact.

He emphasized that despite the turbulent economic landscape, these financial institutions have demonstrated that Nigerian businesses can compete globally, uphold strong corporate governance, and drive national development.

“We believe that a nation that only knows how to criticise will eventually forget how to build. These banks have shown us that despite the economic challenges, there are institutions getting it right, supporting businesses, and driving the economy forward,” Ibiyemi stated.

The awards underscore the critical role these institutions play in stabilizing the Nigerian economy, with stakeholders at the event urging the banks to continue deepening financial inclusion and supporting the real sector in the coming year.