BY DAMOLA EMMANUEL
First City Monument Bank, FCMB, continued its strategic expansion scheme on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, when it opened an ultra-modern and full-service branch in Karu, Nasarawa State, with pomp.
This brings to three the number of FCMB branches in the Nasarawa environs, and 205 across Nigeria.
The new facility, the bank stated in a press release, is designed to bring excellent banking services directly to the door steps of its existing and potential customers, and, generally, to people who reside or run businesses in the Nasarawa town (noted for its unique proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT); as well as those living or working in neighbouring Abuja environs, like Nyanya.
Apart from making banking convenient for customers, the new facility is also expected to promote financial inclusion in the country.
The establishment of the new branch, the bank continued in the release, conforms with FCMB’s strategic expansion approach and commitment towards bringing banking services directly to the door steps of its existing and potential customers. This is more so because of the location which factors in the convenience of both residents and businesses in the town and neighbouring communities in Nasarawa State.
In addition to its strategic location, the branch is equipped with unique physical and technological infrastructure as well as experienced financial experts that will make banking a pleasurable experience for FCMB’s teeming customers.
Commissioning the new branch, FCMB’s Managing Director, Mr. Adam Nuru, said the birth of the branch at this point, “is due to the importance of this area, not just as a residential hub, but as a major gateway to other strategic places in Nasarawa State. Though, most of our customers prefer to carry out transactions from wherever they are, using our alternate channels such as FCMBMobile, FCMBOnline, USSD code and ATMs spread widely across Nigeria, some customers still prefer human interaction when banking.
“This additional customer touch point will further boost our commitment in providing customers with simple, helpful and reliable banking services, in a conducive and convenient environment.’.
On his part, the Divisional Head, Service Management & Technology of FCMB, Mr. Oluwakayode Adigun, re-iterated the bank’s commitment to strategically grow its network to meet the individual and business aspirations of its growing customer base across segments.
His words: “The new Karu branch, just like other branches of FCMB across Nigeria, brings with it something special in terms of structure, aesthetics and above all, the excellent customer experience to be provided by our excellent team of professionals. While we strategically pursue our digital agenda as a forward looking financial services operator, we will continue to support the financial inclusion vision of the Central Bank of Nigeria where every customer is adequately served on any channel in which such services are provided to meet their respective lifestyles and needs’’.
In his address at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Hon. Silas Agara, commended FCMB for its commitment to national development through various forms of support to the private and public sectors.
Represented by the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Ayuba Ayenaje, the Deputy Governor said: “We are excited that FCMB has expanded its footprint in Nasarawa State and confident that this will go a long way to boost economic activities in our state. We are proud of the various initiatives of the bank to support the people and government of Nasarawa State. With the opening of a branch in Karu town, the relationship will be taken to greater heights. On our part, we will support the bank as much as we can.”
FCMB’s robust suite of financial solutions and award-winning service culture have continued to enhance its status as a leader in the Nigerian banking industry.
Among other laurels, FCMB recently bagged the prestigious award of ‘’Excellence in Retail Banking’’ at this year’s edition of the New Age Banking Summit & Awards held between September 26 and 27, 2018, in Lagos.
The bank has also been rated as the third most customer-focused bank in retail banking (from fifth in 2017) by KPMG, a leading international consulting firm, in the 2018 Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey, BICSS.
