FirstBank has announced plans to roll out tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers as part of its drive toward financial inclusion across its operations.
The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries, with services designed to make banking more accessible and independent. Transaction documents will be provided in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while bank cards will include tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easier recognition. Product brochures will also be made available in braille and audio.
Speaking on the development, Chief Risk Officer and chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said: “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints.”
The bank’s move supports the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. FirstBank said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is also evident in its gender balance ratio—41% female to 59% male, with women occupying 37% of management roles.
By embedding accessibility in its operations, FirstBank says it is setting a new standard for inclusive and ethical banking in Nigeria.
