Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to driving the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, positioning itself as a strategic partner dedicated to supporting businesses beyond traditional banking services.
The bank reiterated this commitment during its SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where business leaders, entrepreneurs, industry experts and customers gathered to explore strategies for business expansion and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, themed “Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, said the institution remains focused on helping Nigerian businesses become more competitive while creating lasting economic value.
“Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be your trusted partner in growth,” she stated.
Shodipo highlighted the strategic importance of Port Harcourt to Nigeria’s economy, describing the city as a major commercial centre with strong influence across trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture and energy.
According to her, businesses operating in the city have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in responding to market demands while sustaining commercial activities across the region.
She noted that the forum’s theme reflects the critical role trade and distribution businesses play in strengthening supply chains, creating jobs and connecting producers to consumers.
“Trade and distribution businesses play a critical role in the Nigerian economy. They connect producers to consumers, support supply chains, create jobs and sustain livelihoods. In the South-South, this role is even more significant because the region remains one of the vital arteries of commerce in Nigeria,” she said.
The Fidelity Bank executive also showcased several initiatives designed to help SMEs access new markets and strengthen operational capacity. These include the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which links local businesses to opportunities in international markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
She further highlighted the bank’s partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme, as well as the Fidelity SME Hub, which provides advisory and business support services to entrepreneurs.
Also speaking at the forum, the Divisional Head of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises at Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, said the event was created to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and networking opportunities needed to accelerate business growth.
“SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and at Fidelity Bank, we are deliberate about creating platforms that expose entrepreneurs to knowledge, innovation and opportunities that help them build resilient and scalable businesses,” she said.
Osinigwe encouraged participants to take advantage of the bank’s SME-focused programmes, advisory services and digital solutions to improve efficiency and position their businesses for long-term success.
Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for addressing key challenges facing business owners and providing practical solutions to support enterprise growth.
One of the attendees, Mr. Andy Macozi, described the forum as timely and informative, noting that the discussions addressed common challenges confronting entrepreneurs and offered valuable insights for business development.
Similarly, Chief Uche Aham, an entrepreneur in the oil and marine services sector, praised the initiative, describing the sessions as practical and impactful. He also suggested that participants be provided with detailed reference materials to aid implementation of the lessons learned.
The SME Quarterly Business Forum forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader efforts to empower entrepreneurs, promote innovation and contribute to sustainable economic development across Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank Plc currently serves more than 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, a network of 255 business offices across Nigeria and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME Support, the Best Retail and SME Bank Award by Independent Newspapers, and the Best Bank for Export and Trade Finance Award at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards.