Speaking at the opening ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gbenga Ajibola said the decision to establish the Brusubi branch was driven by the need to bring banking services closer to residents and businesses in the area.
“We want to provide a wide range of products including corporate lending, trade financing, investment banking, money transfer solutions, and above all, customer satisfaction,” Ajibola stated.
He highlighted that FirstBank Gambia, a subsidiary of FirstBank Nigeria, operates with a balance sheet exceeding $20 billion. The bank has been present in The Gambia for more than a decade, and Ajibola emphasised its dual mission: to grow its balance sheet while supporting the Gambian government as a catalyst for industrial and economic development.
Ajibola noted the strategic importance of Brusubi, pointing out that beyond the Brusubi Turn-Table there are currently no banks serving the corridor towards Airport Road, Busumbala, and Brikama. He explained that the new branch aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these rapidly developing areas.
Deputy Managing Director Ini Ebong also addressed the gathering, underscoring FirstBank’s long-standing presence in the sub-region.
“FirstBank has been serving customers across West Africa for 132 years. Opening the Brusubi branch is a testament to our readiness to operate in The Gambia for much longer. The country is a significant part of the sub-region, and we will continue to invest here,” Ebong said.
He added that the new branch reflects the bank’s resolve to grow alongside The Gambia’s economy, supporting customers as they expand their businesses both locally and across the region.
“At FirstBank, we believe we are woven into the fabric of the economies in which we operate. We truly believe that you, our customers, matter,” Ebong concluded.
The Brusubi branch opening marks another milestone in FirstBank Gambia’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its role as a key player in driving financial inclusion and economic growth in the country.
