…unveils digital experience centre in Abuja
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation in the nation’s banking sector with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre in Abuja.
The initiative is part of the bank’s strategic push to achieve 24/7 self-service banking nationwide, enabling customers to carry out transactions seamlessly through cutting-edge technology and personalized digital solutions.
The facility, located in the Bolingo area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was officially inaugurated by Babangida Hussaini (Senator, Jigawa North-West) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Olusegun Alebiosu, managing director and chief executive officer of FirstBank Group, described the initiative as a major milestone in the bank’s digital transformation drive.
“The future of banking is digital, and FirstBank is building that future today. Our customers can open accounts, collect ATM cards instantly, deposit or withdraw cash, and complete transfers, all without entering a traditional banking hall”, Alebiosu said.
The new experience centre is designed to function 24/7, providing secure, automated banking through biometric verification, instant card issuance, and artificial intelligence-enabled transaction authentication.
Alebiosu said the facility reflects FirstBank’s strategic commitment to convenience, innovation, and inclusion.
“Our aim is to give customers faster, safer, and simpler ways to bank. If you can use a mobile phone, you can operate these machines,” he added.
He disclosed that the Abuja launch follows successful rollouts of similar centres in Nsukka and Benin, with another expected to open in Kano.
According to him, the bank plans to replicate the concept in high-traffic urban areas across the country.
“Wherever we see high transaction volumes and demand for 24-hour service, we will bring the experience centre closer to the people,” he assured.
Alebiosu emphasised that the initiative complements FirstBank’s vast network of over 600 branches and 300,000 FirstMonie agents nationwide, a structure designed to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the digital banking era.
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He added that digital adoption is also transforming rural economies, as more traders, artisans, and small business owners embrace cashless transactions.
“Traditional markets are evolving. As digital payments spread, people are realising they don’t have to keep money at home or depend solely on cash,” he said.
The MD noted that customers can now access banking services at any hour, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, without human assistance.
Addressing concerns about cyber threats, Alebiosu assured customers that FirstBank has implemented some of the most rigorous fraud prevention systems in Nigeria’s banking industry.
“Even as Managing Director, I do not have system access or passwords to customers’ accounts. Every transaction goes through multiple security layers, from biometrics to OTP verification. No one can impersonate a customer”, he said.
He disclosed that the bank uses artificial intelligence to flag suspicious activities in real time, ensuring that customer funds remain protected at all times.
At the unveiling, several dignitaries and customers lauded the initiative as a timely advancement in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
He admitted that insecurity in parts of Nigeria has affected branch expansion and operations. However, he said digital transformation has become a safer alternative for customers and staff.
“When you lose policemen or customers to attacks, you think twice about opening physical branches. Digital banking reduces those risks,” he explained.
Alebiosu also disclosed that FirstBank is finalising its recapitalisation process through a private placement, expressing confidence in the bank’s financial health and investor trust.
“Our last rights issue was oversubscribed, and we expect the same strong response this time. FirstBank has always kept its promises,” he said.
With over 131 years of consistent service, Alebiosu reaffirmed that FirstBank’s latest innovation represents more than just technology, it is a redefinition of customer experience and trust.
“The bank of the future is already here — open, smart, secure, and built for every Nigerian,” he concluded
On his part, Hussaini praised FirstBank’s foresight, noting that its emphasis on digital controls has helped curb fraud and boost customer confidence.
“A few years ago, I thought the multiple verification steps were excessive. Now I understand why. With rising fraud cases, FirstBank’s systems are protecting people’s life savings.”
A customer, who had patronised the Bolingo branch for years, described the centre as “a refreshing innovation that shows how much the bank values customer comfort”, he said.
Idris Ado, group executive, retail banking North division, said the new centre would cut waiting times and improve overall service efficiency.
“Customers can complete all transactions seamlessly, anytime, with zero queues and minimal human interaction,” Ado stated.
Similarly, Chike Uzoma, head of strategy and corporate development, described the Abuja DXC as “a landmark in FirstBank’s journey to redefine convenience and strengthen customer loyalty.”
“Whether the branch is open or not, customers can transact freely. We are building a system that keeps banking accessible 24 hours a day,” Uzoma added.
