Fidelity Bank Expands to Rural Kebbi, Launches Kamba Branch to Boost Farmers, SMEs and Financial Inclusion
“In a major boost for rural banking and economic empowerment, Fidelity Bank Plc has inaugurated a new branch in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State — a move widely hailed by residents as a transformative step toward deepening financial inclusion, supporting farmers, and accelerating small business growth in the agrarian community.”
“In a major boost for rural banking and economic empowerment, Fidelity Bank Plc has inaugurated a new branch in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State — a move widely hailed by residents as a transformative step toward deepening financial inclusion, supporting farmers, and accelerating small business growth in the agrarian community.”
Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a long-awaited solution to years of financial and logistical challenges faced by farmers, petty traders, traditional rulers and salary earners in the area.
Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the development as a significant milestone for the community. Represented at the inauguration by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, the chairman noted that residents — including more than 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll — previously had to travel long distances to Birnin Kebbi to conduct routine banking transactions.
“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said.
He commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), noting that improved access to banking services would strengthen economic activities across the council area.
The Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, highlighted the importance of agriculture in the local economy, describing the branch as a catalyst for commercial expansion.
“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.
Speaking during the official inauguration ceremony, the Regional Bank Head, North-West Region of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal-Ahijo, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and stimulating economic growth nationwide.
“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders and households,” he stated.
He added, “While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.”
Lawal-Ahijo further emphasized the bank’s broader mission to empower informal sector workers and SMEs.
“Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth,” he said.
A member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, described the branch as a crucial step toward strengthening rural financial inclusion.
“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he noted.
Residents also expressed optimism about the branch’s impact. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to shut her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for transactions.
“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.
The Kamba branch launch underscores Fidelity Bank’s strategic focus on rural expansion, digital banking innovation and inclusive economic development.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award at the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook; and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award by Global Brands Magazine. It was also named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BAFI Awards.
