First Bank of Nigeria, the country’s oldest financial institution, has officially commenced construction on its 40-storey green-certified headquarters at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. Once completed, the 252-meter tower will not only be Nigeria’s tallest building but also the tallest skyscraper in West Africa, further cementing Eko Atlantic’s status as a rising financial hub.
Designed to be an architectural and environmental landmark, the ultra-modern skyscraper will feature cutting-edge engineering, advanced technology, and eco-friendly construction, setting a new benchmark for financial institutions across Africa.
A Landmark Moment for First Bank
Speaking on the groundbreaking, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at First Bank, described the project as a transformative milestone that reflects the bank’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
CEO of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the bank’s vision for the new headquarters:
“Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Chairman of First HoldCo, billionaire investor Femi Otedola, also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in bringing the project to life:
“Today’s gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in realizing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters. We appreciate the unwavering support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality.”
Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Banking
The new headquarters has been designed with sustainability at its core. As a green-certified building, it will incorporate energy-efficient technology to reduce operational costs while positioning First Bank as a leader in sustainable banking. This aligns with global trends, where financial institutions are adopting eco-friendly designs to drive long-term value and efficiency.
Nigeria’s Business and Political Leaders Gather for the Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, federal ministers, top lawmakers, and captains of industry, all underscoring the project’s significance in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
With over 130 years of legacy, First Bank continues to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s banking sector, and this new headquarters symbolizes its long-term vision of maintaining leadership, resilience, and innovation in the industry.
