Key points
- UBA has been named the Best Financial Services Company at the 2026 National Sustainability Achievements Awards.
- The award recognises the bank’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
- UBA says it has integrated sustainability into lending, investment and community development programmes.
- The bank pledged to deepen its sustainability efforts as it expands across Africa.
Main story
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been recognised as the Best Financial Services Company at the 2026 National Sustainability Achievements Awards in recognition of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The bank received the award during the Nigeria ESG Sustainability Summit 2026 in Lagos, where organisations were honoured for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through measurable sustainability initiatives.
According to UBA, the recognition reflects its efforts to embed ESG principles across its operations, risk management framework and business strategy. The bank said it has prioritised responsible financing, environmental conservation, financial literacy, youth empowerment, education and community development as part of its sustainability agenda.
It added that ESG considerations now play a central role in its lending and investment decisions, while its digital banking platforms have helped expand financial inclusion among underserved individuals and businesses.
The bank also highlighted its participation in the Nigeria Plastics Financing Task Force under the National Plastic Action Partnership, an initiative aimed at mobilising funding and partnerships to tackle plastic pollution. Other interventions include tree-planting campaigns and investments in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship across its markets.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Chief Risk Officer Awele Ajibola said the recognition affirmed UBA’s commitment to responsible business practices. She noted that sustainability remained at the heart of the bank’s decision-making process, with equal consideration given to the impact of its operations on communities, the environment and future generations.
UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, described the award as a reflection of the bank’s long-term investment in responsible banking and community development. She said the recognition would encourage the institution to strengthen its sustainability initiatives as it continues to expand its footprint across Africa.
The issues
Financial institutions are increasingly integrating ESG principles into their operations as investors, regulators and customers place greater emphasis on sustainable business practices. Banks are also using sustainability programmes to support financial inclusion, environmental protection and long-term economic development.
What’s being said
“The recognition shows that responsible business practices and growth can go together.” — Awele Ajibola, Chief Risk Officer, UBA
What’s next
UBA says it will continue expanding its sustainability programmes, deepen ESG integration across its operations and strengthen initiatives that promote environmental protection and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
Bottom line
The award highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the banking sector and reinforces UBA’s position as one of the financial institutions embedding ESG principles into its long-term business strategy.
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