By Chioma Obinagwam
Ecobank Nigeria has commenced Agency Banking Services, enabling its appointed agent partners carry out banking services on its behalf.
Agency banking services is designed to increases the bank’s retail distribution network allowing it provide basic banking services to its customers as well as offer payment services such as bank transfers, bill payments and airtime top to the general public. The Agency Banking service is also intended to offer basic banking services to the underbanked and while providing extended hours for available banking services in the customers’ neighborhood.
Announcing the commencement of the Ecobank Agency Banking service in Lagos, Head, Cards and e-Banking, Ayotunde Kuponiyi said it is part of the bank’s distribution strategy to take banking service to the door-step of the customer. “This is extending our banking services to
consumers’ neighborhood to offer even greater convenience and accessible financial services in a cost effective and secure manner” he said.
Mr Kuponiyi listed agents partners already offering this services in Lagos as Buymore Supermarket chain (in Agungi-Lekki, Kilo Surulere, Ikeja GRA), Kenzo Retail Supermarket chain (in Lekki, Festac and Apapa) and Save-a-Lot Supermarket in Egbeda. He maintained that more locations are coming up in Lagos and other major cities and towns across the country.
Banking services provided by the agents banking locations include opening Ecobank Quick Account, cash withdrawal and deposit into Ecobank accounts; funds transfers into any bank account in Nigeria, bills payment (utilities, cable subscription, etc), mobile phone airtime topup amongst other services.
Ecobank Agency Banking service which is the first of its kind to debut in Nigeria is aimed at offering affordable access to financial services to promote and deepen financial inclusion in the Nigeria economy.