Signature Bank Expands to A’Ibom as Gov Eno Commissions Uyo Branch
By Ndifreke Enefiok, Uyo
Signature Bank Limited, a financial institution has expanded its operations to Akwa Ibom with the opening of its Uyo branch, in a bid to tap into the state’s growing commercial activities and investment opportunities.
The branch, located on Oron Road, Uyo, was commissioned on Tuesday, October 6, by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The Uyo branch is the bank’s latest outlet after Abuja, Aba, Asaba, Kano, Umuahia, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Eno applauded the bank’s management for expanding its operations to Akwa Ibom, noting that his administration would continue to welcome corporate organisations and investments that could contribute to the state’s economic growth.
He assured the management that it would not regret its decision to establish a presence in Uyo and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders in the financial sector.
Describing Akwa Ibom as an investment destination, Governor Eno cited road infrastructure, peaceful environment, tourism, development of small and medium-scale enterprises as areas of opportunity.
Eno said his administration was also working to improve the ease of doing business through initiatives including the Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System, AkwaGIS, which he said would simplify the process of obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.
He also cited ongoing electricity reforms as part of measures to create a more favourable environment for businesses.
“We continue to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The peace and serenity we enjoy, our AKWAGIS, our electricity reforms are all geared towards making it easy for businesses to thrive here,” the governor said.
The governor also assured investors that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections would not undermine governance or business operations in the state.
Eno also dismissed reports of his ownership interest in Signature Bank, saying he had no shares in the institution.
“This is Signature Bank, not Signature by Royalty. I don’t own a share here. But I have interest,” he said, explaining that his interest was in attracting more corporate organisations and investment to Akwa Ibom.
Describing Uyo as strategically important to the bank, Board Chairman of the bank, Alhaji Tijani Borodo, represented by Mr. Shedrack Odo, said the decision to expand to Uyo was driven by the economic opportunities available across Akwa Ibom state.
Borodo said the bank was particularly interested in sectors including agriculture, tourism, hospitality, real estate, construction, transportation, manufacturing, professional services and the wider small and medium-scale enterprise ecosystem.
According to him, Signature Bank was established with the understanding that the future of banking would depend on the ability of financial institutions to combine technology with meaningful human relationships.
He described the bank’s model as “neo-phygital”, combining the convenience and efficiency of digital banking with the personal interaction provided by physical branches.
“We believe customers should not have to choose between technology and human service. They should have both,” Borodo said.
He said Uyo, as a growing commercial, administrative and investment centre, offered significant opportunities for the bank, adding that Signature Bank would seek to provide financial solutions that respond to the needs of businesses and individuals in the state.
Borodo also commended the ARISE Agenda of the state government, noting that its emphasis on agriculture, rural development, security, education and economic advancement aligned with the need for stronger partnerships between government, businesses and financial institutions.
He assured the bank would operate as a responsible corporate citizen and contribute to the economic development of the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nixon Iwedi, said the Uyo branch represented more than the opening of another banking outlet.
Iwedi described the branch as a platform for building relationships, understanding businesses and connecting the bank’s financial solutions to the needs and aspirations of customers in Akwa Ibom.
“For us, a branch is more than a physical structure. It is a touchpoint, a point of connection. It is a place where relationships are built, businesses are understood, financial solutions are discussed and customers can interact directly with the people behind the Signature Bank brand,” he said.
He described Akwa Ibom as a state with tremendous potential and a people with enterprise, ambition and resilience, expressing confidence that the branch would become an important platform for connecting the bank’s services with the local market.
On her part, the Head of Currency Circulation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Mrs Douyi Alalibo, said the establishment of the branch reflected confidence in the economic prospects of Akwa Ibom and would contribute to expanding financial inclusion.
Alalibo urged the bank to maintain high standards of professionalism, corporate governance, customer service and regulatory compliance.