Tier One lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, 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 enterprises (SMEs), with a strategic focus on empowering women-owned businesses across the country.
The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to provide accessible financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises across all 36 states of the federation. This intervention aligns with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and its long-standing support for Nigeria’s SME sector. In this phase, the bank is prioritizing women entrepreneurs, reinforcing its belief in their catalytic role in driving sustainable development and job creation.
Speaking on the development, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, 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 critical 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.”
Fidelity Bank has implemented a robust structure to ensure seamless onboarding and fund disbursement. Leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers, the bank is poised to reach and support entrepreneurs across both urban and rural communities.
The bank’s role in disbursing the FGN MSME Intervention Fund complements its ongoing initiatives as a leading supporter of SMEs in Nigeria. Recently, the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP), launched at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, equipped 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, receipt printers, barcode scanners, inventory support, bookkeeping and branding training, three-day masterclasses, and six months of post-installation monitoring—all at no cost.
Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity Bank signed an MoU with SMEDAN, Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, to deliver SME-friendly low-interest financing, capacity-building support, and market access for SMEs referred under the agreement.
Ede further noted: “Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market access. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion.”
The FGN MSME Intervention Fund will deepen Fidelity Bank’s impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, fostering sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience nationwide.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple awards, including:
- 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award – BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (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 – BAFI Awards