Nigerian Bank Announces Service Disruption, Advises Customers Ahead of Public Holiday
- First Bank has admitted to experiencing downtime impacting transactions across its key digital platforms
- In a public notice, the top lender apologised to customers for the interruptions, assuring them that efforts are underway to restore services.
- The bank has also advised customers to use alternative channels in the meantime for urgent transactions.
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
First Bank of Nigeria has apologised to its customers following service disruptions affecting several of its digital platforms.
In a statement released on X, the bank informed its customers of ongoing downtime that has disrupted transactions on FirstMobile, FirstOnline, and USSD platforms.
Source: Getty Images
The statement reads:
"Please be informed that we are currently experiencing some downtime affecting transactions to other banks on FirstMobile, FirstOnline, and the USSD platform. Customers may therefore experience delayed or declined transactions.
"We regret the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Our team is working with our partners to restore services as quickly as possible, and we will provide updates once services are fully restored."
Alternative platforms available
The bank also advised its customers to make use of alternative digital channels during the period.
It stated:
*"In the meantime, please use our alternative digital channels, including the FirstMonie Wallet and Debit Cards, for urgent transactions.
'For enquiries or complaints, please contact us on Tel: 02019052326; +234 708 062 5000; 02014485500; +234 807 019 4190, or Email: firstcontactcomplaints@firstbankgroup.com complaints@firstbankgroup.com for prompt attention."
Source: Getty Images
Bank's service disruptions
First Bank joins the growing list of Nigerian commercial banks that have recently faced digital banking challenges.
Access Bank, GTBank, Unity Bank, Zenith Bank, Ecobank, among others, had at different times apologised to their customers for similar disruptions.
The most recent is by Ecobank, which announced delayed transactions.
In a message to customers, it said:
"Dear Customer, You may experience a delay in receiving funds transferred into your account. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.
"While we work to resolve this issue, please be assured that all inflows will be credited promptly. All other services across our electronic platforms remain fully accessible.
"Thank you for your understanding."
In its efforts to pacify customers, the CBN recently asked customers to report service failures experienced with banks.
The apex bank provided telephone and email contact details for customers and encouraged reports, especially in cases of failed or incomplete ATM and online transactions.
Banks to close branches nationwide for 24 hours
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that branches of commercial banks and other financial institutions across Nigeria, including Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, and GTB, will be closed on Friday, September 5, 2025.
This is in observance of the public holiday declared by the federal government to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The public holiday announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 3 by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
