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-scale enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
The initiative strategically prioritises women-owned businesses, underscoring the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.
The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to provide affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises across all 36 states of the federation.
The current phase of disbursement aligns with Fidelity Bank’s long-standing support for the SME sector and its vision to empower women entrepreneurs as key drivers of innovation, job creation, and wealth generation.
Speaking on the initiative, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at 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.”
To ensure seamless access, Fidelity Bank has deployed a robust framework for onboarding and disbursement, leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital platforms, and experienced relationship managers to reach entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.
The bank’s role in managing the FGN MSME Intervention Fund reinforces its reputation as a leading supporter of Nigeria’s SME ecosystem. Earlier this year, Fidelity launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, benefiting 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, inventory support, branding training, masterclasses, and six months of post-installation monitoring — all at no cost.
In May 2025, the bank further deepened its SME focus by signing an MoU with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to provide low-interest financing, capacity-building, and market access to registered SMEs.
“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs through capacity-building programs, mentorship, and access to markets. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion,” Ede added.
Through this partnership with the FGN and BOI, Fidelity Bank aims to expand affordable financing and strategic support for SMEs, deepening its impact on Nigeria’s MSME landscape while promoting sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience nationwide.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through digital channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received multiple local and international recognitions, including:
Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (2024 BusinessDay BAFI Awards)
Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application (Global Business Outlook, 2024)
Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider (Global Brands Magazine, 2024)
Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence)
Export Financing Bank of the Year (BusinessDay BAFI Awards)
