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), with a strategic focus on supporting women-owned businesses across the country.
The fund, designed to provide affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all 36 states, is aimed at boosting inclusive economic growth and job creation. In this phase, Fidelity Bank is placing particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs, citing their resilience and pivotal role in driving innovation, employment, and sustainable development.
Speaking on the initiative, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said the lender remains committed to building a strong SME sector in Nigeria.
“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,” Ede said.
The bank has deployed a robust support structure for the programme, including its extensive branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers to ensure seamless access to the fund.
Fidelity Bank has, in recent months, deepened its engagement with the SME sector. Earlier this year, it launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, where 100 growth-ready SMEs received free POS systems, business software, branding training, masterclasses, and six months of monitoring support.
In May 2025, the bank also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to deliver low-interest financing, capacity building, and market access opportunities for small businesses across the country.
Ede noted that Fidelity’s approach to SME financing goes beyond disbursement of funds, stressing that the bank is building an ecosystem of support through mentorship, training, 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,” he added.
With over 9.1 million customers across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Fidelity Bank has consistently positioned itself as a leading supporter of SMEs. Its recognition includes the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria and multiple accolades for digital transformation and innovation in banking services.
The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is expected to significantly strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding access to finance and accelerating economic growth nationwide.