Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been named Best Financial Services Company at the 2026 National Sustainability Achievements Awards, in recognition of its leadership in advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations Banking.
The award was presented at the Nigeria ESG-Sustainability Summit 2026 in Lagos, themed “Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World,” which brought together sustainability experts, regulators, policymakers and business leaders to explore practical approaches to driving long-term environmental and social impact.Government
Organised by ESG Impact Consulting Limited in partnership with the European Sustainable Development Organisation, the National Sustainability Achievements Awards recognise organisations demonstrating measurable progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through responsible environmental stewardship, social impact and sound governance.Banking
Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, UBA’s Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, described the recognition as an affirmation of the Bank’s long-standing commitment to embedding sustainability into its business strategy and decision-making processes.
“Sustainability, for us, is a question of stewardship, and stewardship is a question of good risk management,” Ajibola said. “We ask ourselves how every decision affects the communities we serve, the environment we share and the generations that will inherit both. This award tells us that approach is working. We are meeting today’s needs without compromising tomorrow’s opportunities, and we remain committed to maintaining that discipline as we continue to grow across Africa.”Government
The recognition reflects UBA’s consistent commitment to embedding ESG principles across its operations and business strategy. Over the years, the Bank has implemented a broad range of sustainability initiatives, including responsible financing, environmental conservation programmes, financial literacy campaigns, youth empowerment and education initiatives through the UBA Foundation, as well as employee-led community impact projects across its markets.
The Bank has also continued to strengthen sustainable finance by integrating ESG considerations into its lending and investment decisions, while promoting financial inclusion through innovative digital banking solutions that expand access to financial services for underserved individuals and businesses across Africa.Banking.
Further reinforcing its leadership in sustainability, UBA was recently inaugurated as a member of the Nigeria Plastics Financing Task Force under the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). Convened in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the National Policy Innovation Centre, the Task Force brings together key public and private sector stakeholders to mobilise financing and partnerships aimed at reducing plastic pollution and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy.
Beyond its financing activities, UBA has consistently championed environmental stewardship through nationwide clean-up campaigns, tree-planting initiatives, and employee volunteer programmes, while supporting communities through investments in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and humanitarian interventions across Africa.
Commenting on the recognition, UBA’s Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the award reflects the Bank’s commitment to creating long-term value for customers, communities and stakeholders.
“Being recognised as the Best Financial Services Company for sustainability is a proud milestone for us. Beyond the award itself, it reflects years of deliberate investments in responsible banking, community development, environmental stewardship and ethical governance. Our customers increasingly expect to bank with institutions that create value beyond financial returns, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering sustainable impact wherever we operate.”
“Our sustainability journey is measured not only by policies, but by tangible outcomes from responsible financing and environmental initiatives to financial inclusion and community investments that improve lives across Africa. This recognition encourages us to continue raising the bar,” Alero further noted
As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, UBA continues to integrate ESG principles into its operations, ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility, social progress and sound governance. The Bank remains committed to supporting Africa’s sustainable development agenda while delivering innovative financial solutions that create lasting value for customers and society.Banking
United Bank for Africa is one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services while championing financial inclusion, innovation and sustainable development across its markets.
