First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to service excellence and innovation as it joined the global celebration of Customer Service Week 2025, recording strong gains in customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The week-long event, which runs from October 6 to 10, is themed “Mission: Possible” and highlights the bank’s resolve to transform everyday challenges into opportunities through creativity, technology, and teamwork.
Describing the occasion, the bank’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun said: “At FCMB, every day is an opportunity to provide excellent service. This week, we are proud to celebrate our customers and employees, whose dedication continues to drive our success.”
Executive Director, Corporate Services & Service Management, Felicia Obozuwa, reiterated the bank’s dedication in creating real value through customer experience and innovation.
“In a fast-changing world, we are proud to deliver solutions that truly add value. Customer Service Week is another chance to thank our customers for their loyalty and our employees for their dedication,” Obozuwa said.
As part of the celebrations, FCMB executives, including the Managing Director, took on customer-facing roles across various branches. They engaged directly with clients, listened to their feedback, and presented special gifts to customers. The bank also recognised children with Kiddies’ Accounts and rewarded its top 50 customers for their enduring loyalty and contribution to the bank’s growth.
To further appreciate its wider customer base, the bank rewarded more than 100,000 customers who purchased airtime and data through the FCMB Mobile App and 329# USSD code with a 10 percent bonus during a three-day campaign. In addition, select branches were fitted with refreshment booths to make in-branch visits more pleasant and interactive.
Employees also played a central role in the celebrations. Activities such as peer-to-peer recognition sessions, a Bankers Game Show, and a Theme Song Contest were organised to foster teamwork, celebrate excellence, and strengthen internal culture. The week’s events will culminate in a hybrid staff gathering, connecting employees physically and virtually across the country.
In line with this commitment, FCMB reported significant improvements in its Net Promoter Score (NPS) — a key measure of customer satisfaction and loyalty. The bank’s NPS, the management noted, rose to 74 per cent as of August 2025, surpassing the industry average, while its digital banking NPS also improved from 71 per cent to 75 per cent, reflecting stronger customer confidence in its digital platforms.
Now in its 41st year globally, Customer Service Week celebrates the role of service excellence in driving sustainable business growth. For FCMB, the event underscores its ongoing strategy to blend innovation, empathy, and digital transformation to strengthen relationships with customers, enhance satisfaction, and sustain business performance.

Jaiz Bank Plc has secured an upgrade from GCR Ratings, which raised the Bank’s national scale long-term issuer rating from BBB-(NG) to BBB (NG), with the outlook revised from Positive to Stable.
In a statement announcing the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank, Dr. Haruna Musa, described the rating upgrade as a significant achievement that reflects the Bank’s financial strength and growing market position.
“We are pleased to announce that GCR Ratings has upgraded Jaiz Bank Plc’s national scale long-term issuer rating from BBB-(NG) to BBB(NG). This milestone reaffirms our focus on deepening financial inclusion, driving innovation, and upholding the principles of ethical, Shariah-compliant banking,” Dr. Musa said.
He explained that the new rating demonstrates confidence in the Bank’s strong financial performance, sound risk management practices, and consistent improvement in balance sheet quality and profitability.
“The recognition consolidates Jaiz Bank’s leadership as Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest bank. We remain committed to creating sustainable value for all stakeholders and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy,” he stated.
Dr. Musa also acknowledged the role of the Bank’s Board, management, staff, customers, regulators, and stakeholders, noting that their trust and support were instrumental in achieving the latest milestone.
Jaiz Bank, established in 2012 as Nigeria’s first non-interest bank, has continued to expand its operations across the country, offering Shariah-compliant products and services aimed at promoting financial inclusion.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted approval to Apices Finance Company Limited to operate as a licensed finance company.

This is to further widen the pool of financial institutions providing access to credit in the country.

The approval, conveyed in a letter signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department at the CBN, confirmed that Apices met the regulatory conditions required under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the CBN Act of 2007.

“This licence is granted subject to strict adherence to the provisions of the CBN Act 2007, BOFIA 2020, and rules and regulations issued by the bank from time to time,” the apex bank stated, warning that non-compliance could lead to revocation.

The CBN also insisted on due diligence regarding approved board members and management appointees, cautioning that any adverse findings or misrepresentation discovered after the licensing process could invalidate the authorisation.

Apices Finance is expected to notify the regulator of its official commencement date so the bank can update its records accordingly.

The approval comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to deepen financial inclusion and diversify access to credit through non-bank financial institutions.

Licensed finance companies are positioned to play a critical role by offering loans to consumers and businesses, providing leasing services, and other non-deposit-taking financial solutions.

The entry of firms like Apices points to growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s expanding fintech and credit market, especially as traditional banks face mounting pressure to extend financial services to underserved individuals and small enterprises.

Reacting to the approval, the Managing Director of Apices Finance Limited, Daniel Odoviano Oniko, expressed optimism about the company’s role in Nigeria’s economic growth.

“My joy knows no bounds when Apices Finance Company Limited was approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate as a finance company in Nigeria. Our vision is that Apices Finance Company Limited is out to champion financial excellence and empower Africa’s next generation of business leaders,” he said.

Oniko pointed out that the company would focus on empowering retail customers, SMEs, and commercial businesses, sectors he described as vital for Nigeria’s future. He added that the company is well-positioned to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which prioritises stimulating activity among small businesses.

“SMEs and startups are not just businesses—they are the lifeblood of our economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and build communities. When we invest in them, we invest in our future,” Oniko often remarks.

With over two decades experience spanning consumer, retail, SME, investment, enterprise risk management, corporate, and commercial banking, Oniko says he is bringing vast expertise to the new company.

He said he is a long-time advocate for lifting Nigeria and Africa from “poverty to prosperity” through financial empowerment of small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

The entry of Apices Finance is expected to boost competition in the non-bank financial sector, expand access to credit, and support the federal government’s broader financial inclusion and economic diversification goals.