Fidelity Bank Begins Disbursement of FGN MSME Intervention Funds

Fidelity Bank Plc has commenced the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), to qualified SMEs with a strategic focus on empowering women-owned businesses across the country.

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to provide accessible financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all 36 states of the federation.

In this phase of the disbursement, the bank said it is prioritising women entrepreneurs, reinforcing its belief in the catalytic role of women-led enterprises in driving sustainable development and job creation.

Speaking on the development, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, said, “As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention.

For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognise their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”

He noted that the bank has also put in place a structure to ensure seamless onboarding and fund disbursement. Leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers, the bank is poised to reach and support entrepreneurs across urban and rural communities.

He said the bank’s emergence as a critical player in the disbursement of the FGN MSME intervention fund strongly aligns with its ongoing initiatives as the leading supporter of SMEs in Nigeria. Recently, the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) was launched at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos.

Ede noted that the flagship initiative provided 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, receipt printers, barcode scanners, inventory support, bookkeeping and branding training, three-day masterclasses, and six months of post-installation monitoring—all at no cost.

He explained that earlier in May 2025, Fidelity Bank also signed an MoU with SMEDAN, Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, to deliver SME-friendly low-interest financing, capacity-building support, and market access for SMEs referred under the agreement.

“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programmes, mentorship opportunities, and market access.

Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion,” Ede added.