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| L-R: Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe; Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; and Representative of the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and Chairman of SMEs and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Trade Group, Mr. Jack Daboikiabo; at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, recently. |
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs), positioning itself as a strategic partner in business development beyond conventional banking services.
The bank made this known during its SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where entrepreneurs, business leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders gathered to explore practical strategies for scaling businesses and strengthening distribution networks.
Speaking at the forum themed "Scaling Trade and Distribution Businesses for Sustainable Growth," Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, said the bank remains committed to helping Nigerian businesses build resilience, expand operations, and achieve long-term profitability.
According to her, Fidelity Bank's support for SMEs goes beyond providing access to finance, focusing instead on building sustainable enterprises capable of driving economic growth and job creation.
“Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value within their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be a trusted growth partner,” she said.
Shodipo described Port Harcourt as one of Nigeria's most strategic commercial centres, noting that the city plays a critical role in trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture, and the energy sector.
She stressed that businesses operating within the South-South region remain vital to the country's supply chain ecosystem, connecting producers with consumers while creating employment opportunities and supporting economic development.
The Executive Director also highlighted several initiatives introduced by Fidelity Bank to support entrepreneurs, including the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which helps businesses access opportunities in international markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
She further referenced the bank's partnership with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme, as well as the Fidelity SME Hub, which provides entrepreneurs with business advisory services, mentorship opportunities, networking platforms, and capacity-building support.
In her remarks, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, described the forum as part of the bank's broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs with knowledge, innovation, and practical business solutions.
She noted that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria's economy and require continuous support through access to information, business networks, and innovative tools that enhance competitiveness.
“This forum reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs beyond banking by equipping entrepreneurs with the resources, insights and connections needed to thrive in today's challenging business environment,” she said.
Participants at the event commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that addresses real business challenges and offers practical solutions for sustainable growth.
One of the attendees, Mr. Andy Macozi, described the forum as timely and insightful, noting that many of the issues discussed reflected the everyday realities faced by business owners across the country.
Similarly, Chief Uche Aham, an entrepreneur in the oil and marine services sector, praised the initiative, saying the knowledge-sharing sessions provided valuable lessons that participants could apply in their businesses.
The Fidelity SME Quarterly Business Forum forms part of the bank's broader efforts to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development across Nigeria.
Serving more than 10 million customers through digital channels, over 255 business offices nationwide, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, Fidelity Bank continues to strengthen its position as one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME Support, Best Retail and SME Bank Award, Nigeria's Best Private Bank Award by Euromoney, and Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance at the 2025 BusinessDay BAFI Awards.