First Bank of Nigeria, Banking institution in Marina district, Lagos, Nigeria
First Bank of Nigeria is a financial institution in Lagos with branches across the city, from Marina to suburbs such as Lekki and Ikeja. The premises combine counter services for personal assistance with automated machine rooms, offering banking services for individuals and businesses.
The establishment took place in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa, marking the opening of the first bank on African soil. The name changed later, when the institution passed into local hands following Nigerian independence.
Local branches in neighborhoods such as Lekki or Ikeja reflect how Nigerians typically handle banking matters, often visiting in the late afternoon after work. Many people also use the building as a meeting point to discuss business or settle payments among neighbors.
The branches open on weekdays and are accessible by public transport or private rides, with waiting times possibly longer on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Cash machines remain available outside opening hours, and many locations have separate entrances for business clients.
In 1991, the country's first cash machine appeared here, changing the way Nigerians handled everyday banking tasks. This step led to a rapid spread of similar devices in other parts of Lagos and eventually across the country.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
