First Bank of Nigeria Limited has unveiled its fifth fully automated branch, the FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre, in Lekki, Lagos, marking another milestone in its push for digital banking innovation.
The new branch, located on Admiralty Way Lekki, joins four previously-launched centres in Victoria Island, Banana Island (Lagos) University of Ibadan and Wuse, (Abuja), solidifying FirstBank’s leadership in Nigeria’s digital banking transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasised the importance of digitalisation in today’s financial services landscape.
He reiterated the bank’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge innovations that enhance customer experience and ensure seamless banking transactions.
Alebiosu stated: “The Digital Xperience Centre is a testament to our relentless drive for innovation. This fully automated branch aligns with global standards and offers customers a unique self-service experience. Technology has become the backbone of financial services, and as the landscape continues to evolve, so must we.”
He noted that the centre is designed to provide customers with state-of-the-art digital banking services, enabling them to navigate the digital landscape with ease.
Alebiosu mentioned some of the branch’s advanced features, which include AI-powered humanoid robots to assist customers, video banking for real-time consultations with relationship managers and self-service kiosks for account management. Others are fast-tracking ATMs with smart screens, instant account opening and card issuance and AI-driven security features to prevent fraud and enhance transaction efficiency.
The Executive Director of Retail Banking, South Directorate, Oluseyi Popoola Oyefeso, highlighted the convenience of the new facility, saying the branch was designed for customers who prefer quick, independent transactions.
“A lot of people just want to get their business done and move on. That is why this is here – walk in, serve yourself, complete your transactions and go your way,” he said.
Also speaking, the Group Head of branch Operations and Services (Lagos and West), Abimbola Kunle Ajayi, underscored the efficiency and speed of the services available at the centre.
Comparing the time spent on transactions in a traditional branch versus the digital centre, she noted that processes such as transfers, card vending, ATM withdrawals and cash deposits were significantly faster, reducing wait times from 15–20 minutes to as little as two minutes.
“For the customer, it is convenient. They are always delighted to complete transactions themselves rather than filling out forms and waiting in queues. This enhances the overall customer experience and strengthens our brand,” she explained.
Addressing concerns about customer adaptability to the self-service model, Ajayi assured that the machines were designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.
“The process is self-explanatory. Customers simply follow on-screen instructions, and the system guides them through,” she said.
