October 24, (THEWILL) – FirstBank Nigeria Plc has unveiled a fully automated self-service branch in the Wuse area of Abuja, in its efforts to simplify banking.
The branch, dubbed the FirstBank Digital Xperience Centre (DXC), is powered by a wide range of phased modern banking facilities which include humanoid robots equipped with video banking and Artificial Intelligence (AI), taking on the role of friendly branch staff; Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs); Self-Service kiosks for non-financial transactions such as account update; Fast Track (Contactless) ATMs; Interactive Smart Screen to ensure effective and comprehensive consultation with bank sales staff via remote video connection.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Managing Director of the bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said the new innovation and investment in digital channels have been instrumental to the bank’s landmark achievements of over 22 million online subscribers, making it one of the fastest-growing bank-led digital penetrations in Nigeria.
“The FirstBank DXC is a fully automated interactive digital branch, the first of its kind in the Nigerian banking industry. It was first launched in Lagos, Nigeria in 2021 and has since redefined customers’ banking experience by introducing them to a new world of digitised self-services.
“If you observe, these centres are located at very high traffic locations. And they are open to the public, which means customers can come in, do their banking transactions, irrespective of the nature of the banking transactions, whether depositing cash, withdrawing cash, whether they want to transfer money. If you misplaced your card and you want to print a new card, you are welcome. So it’s open 24/7.
“The wholesome customer experience has subsequently facilitated the DXC’s expansion with a second branch recently launched in the University of Ibadan in August 2023 and today, the digitisation ‘train’ has arrived in the nation’s capital.
“I congratulate the Abuja Wuse community for being the worthy host to the first digitised branch in Nigeria’s political and administrative centre and I am enthused at the prospects it brings to our esteemed customers – both existing and prospective”, he said, adding that the bank will continue to be resolute in driving customer-led innovation and consolidating on next generation digital capabilities to continuously improve interactions and engagements and improve efficiencies.
Other services of the automated branch are; paperless/electronic forms designed to promote timely resolution of complaints, dispensing of account statements and account enquiry/management, funds transfer, dispensing of new ATM cards; fixed deposit booking between N100,000.00 to N5,000,000.00, card services and management, cheque management, email and phone number update, ATM card and token block, among many others.
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