Fidelity Bank crowned ‘Most Improved Commercial Bank by Nairametrics

Stanley Ihedigbo

Fidelity Bank Plc has been honoured with the “Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year” award at the inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards.

The recognition comes on the heels of the bank’s stellar 2024 financial year performance.

Organized by Nigeria’s premier financial media platform, Nairametrics, the awards were launched to recognize individuals, institutions, and policy reforms that have significantly shaped Nigeria’s capital markets.

The initiative seeks to spotlight excellence in areas such as regulatory leadership, corporate governance, investment performance, and financial innovation.

“This award is a testament to the tremendous work we are doing at Fidelity Bank—not only in delivering superior service to our customers but also in driving economic growth and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders,” said an elated Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,

. “We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to helping individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper.”

The awards ceremony drew an esteemed audience, including Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, as well as industry leaders, regulators, media executives, and capital market stakeholders.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agamaunder, scored the need for continuous evolution in financial markets. “Markets must become more efficient, secure, and innovative to fulfill their promise. In Nigeria, we are committed to building a resilient, inclusive, transparent, and future-ready capital market,” he stated.

Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, Ugo Obi-Chukwu, shared the vision behind the awards, saying, “The Capital Market Choice Awards is our way of reinforcing the core values that sustain a healthy capital ecosystem—trust, performance, and progress.”

Fidelity Bank’s recognition comes on the heels of a stellar 2024 financial year. The bank posted an exceptional 210% growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching ₦385.2 billion—the largest year-on-year PBT increase recorded in the Nigerian banking industry for the year.

Further demonstrating its leadership, Fidelity Bank spearheaded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization drive with a highly successful Public Offer and Rights Issue, which were oversubscribed by 237.9% and 137.7% respectively—solidifying investor confidence in the bank’s strategic direction.