Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti Seek Development Partnership With Greenwich Bank
The governments of Lagos, Ondo and Ekiti states have expressed interest in partnering with Greenwich Bank Limited to advance their development agendas, stimulate economic growth and create greater opportunities for businesses and residents.
The interest followed the recent opening of the bank’s branches across the three states after it secured a regional commercial banking licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in August 2026, transitioning from six years of merchant banking to commercial banking operations.
In October, Greenwich Bank opened three branches in Lagos State and one each in Ondo and Ekiti states. The bank plans to extend its operations to Warri and Uyo in November as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at establishing a stronger national presence over the next few years.
The transition represents a new phase in the bank’s growth, building on more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s financial services industry while extending its reach to a wider customer base. Its expanded operations are expected to create opportunities to serve individuals, support small and growing businesses, provide financial solutions to established enterprises and deepen access to banking services.
Speaking at the commissioning of the bank’s Ikoyi branch in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, highlighted the importance of financial institutions in driving the state’s economic growth.
He noted that Lagos, with its vibrant business environment, required sustained access to capital to enable individuals and enterprises to establish businesses, expand operations, invest and create employment.
“That is why Greenwich Bank has an important role to play in the Lagos economy,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that government could not deliver sustainable economic development in isolation, underscoring the need for strategic partnerships with financial institutions to mobilise capital, support businesses, generate jobs and accelerate infrastructure development.
“We need strong partnerships with the financial sector to mobilise capital to support enterprise, create jobs and expand opportunities, and to help the government in its infrastructure development,” he said.
He welcomed Greenwich Bank’s expanded presence in Lagos and expressed confidence that the institution would contribute to the state’s continued economic growth.
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, at the opening of the bank’s Akure branch, said sustainable prosperity required an enabling environment for enterprise, investment and inclusive growth, supported by partnerships with institutions capable of catalysing economic activity.
“The people of Ondo State welcome with optimism Greenwich Bank to support our development initiatives,” he said.
Describing the opening as more than the establishment of a banking outlet, Aiyedatiwa called it “another door of opportunity” for the people of the state.
He said the bank’s decision to establish a presence in Ondo demonstrated confidence in the state’s people, economic prospects and investment opportunities.
According to him, his administration remained committed to building an economy that encouraged entrepreneurship, strengthened investor confidence, valued workers and created opportunities for young people with innovative ideas.
In Ekiti State, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji welcomed Greenwich Bank’s entry into Ado-Ekiti, expressing optimism that its presence would strengthen business activities and support the state’s development objectives.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Niyi Adebayo, the governor commended the bank’s management for opening the branch and expressed the state government’s readiness to explore areas of partnership in implementing its development programmes.
He also expressed confidence that individuals and businesses across the state would benefit from the bank’s commitment to service excellence, adding that its arrival could unlock fresh economic opportunities and promote shared prosperity.
The interest expressed by the three state governments highlights the potential for stronger public-private sector collaboration as Greenwich Bank expands its commercial banking operations. Such partnerships could help improve access to finance, stimulate enterprise, attract investment and support sustainable economic development across the states.
