First Bank of Nigeria Limited has received the Cybersecurity Innovation Award at the 2026 Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) Merit Awards, in recognition of its contributions to strengthening digital security within Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The announcement was made by cybersecurity expert Dr. Harrison Nnaji, who highlighted the award as a major industry acknowledgement of the bank’s ongoing efforts in digital risk management and cyber resilience.
The award, presented at the 2026 CSEAN Merit Awards ceremony held on May 7, 2026, recognizes FirstBank’s work in advancing cybersecurity innovation and its sustained commitment to protecting digital financial infrastructure for customers, shareholders, and stakeholders across Nigeria.
According to the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), the recognition reflects the bank’s pioneering role in strengthening cybersecurity practices within the financial sector. The association noted that FirstBank has continued to invest in systems, governance frameworks, talent development, and technology upgrades to mitigate evolving cyber threats.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited was commended for aligning its cybersecurity strategy with broader digital transformation goals, ensuring stronger protection of financial services amid increasing adoption of digital banking platforms.
CSEAN, a leading non-profit organization of cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria, is known for its work in research, training, advocacy, and hosting the annual Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference, which brings together stakeholders across the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The recognition underscores growing emphasis within Nigeria’s financial industry on cyber resilience as digital banking adoption expands, with institutions increasingly prioritizing secure infrastructure and proactive defense mechanisms.
FirstBank stated that the award reinforces its commitment to building a safer and more resilient digital financial ecosystem through continuous investment in people, processes, technology, and regulatory compliance.
