FirstBank Launches Voice-Enabled ATMs, Tactile Cards, Others for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers

• FirstBank is set to launch tailored financial services for the blind, visually impaired, and physically challenged, including braille documents, voice-enabled ATMs, and tactile bank cards.

• The bank says the initiative ensures customers can manage their accounts independently and securely.

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution, has announced plans to roll out customised financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

The initiative, part of the Bank’s broader commitment to Financial Inclusion and Diversity, will ensure that people with disabilities can independently and securely manage their accounts without third-party assistance.

Commenting on the forthcoming launch, Patrick Akhidenor, Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, stated: “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints.”

DON’T MISS: ‘Your Money Won’t Save You’: US Slams Visa Ban, Warns Corrupt Nigerians

The inclusive services will be implemented in phases across all FirstBank subsidiaries and locations. Transaction documents will be made available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats.

ATMs will feature high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while debit cards will include tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easier recognition. Existing digital tools such as soft PINs and tokens will also be enhanced for secure access, with product brochures provided in braille and audio.

This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing FirstBank’s leadership in ethical and inclusive banking.

By embedding accessibility into its core operations, FirstBank is setting a new standard for the industry—building a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, has equal opportunity to participate in financial services.