In its bid to continually improve banking services and ease customers’ experience, the number one banking brand, FirstBank is set to revolutionize the way consumers and merchants facilitate payment for goods and services using social and digital mediaFirstBank in conjunction with 3AL limited has built a portal to provide various services which include retail, insurance products and e-ticketing solutions. The portal, www.3al.com is Nigeria’s first social commerce channel which has social media and eCommerce functionalities. With its social media functionality, businesses can interact with potential customers while its eCommerce functionality enables online ordering and payment for goods & services.
The portal which is a self-service tool also enables businesses set-up their online store, upload their products and interact with potential consumers. Online payment is processed by FirstEConnect, a robust payment gateway deployed by FirstBank which enables secure payments for goods and services through the use of all payment card types issued in the market today as well as enabling online ordering of products which will be delivered to the doorsteps of customers.
According to the Head, Technology and Services, FirstBank, Mr. Akin Fanimokun the Social Commerce portal will be a meeting hub for businesses and SMEs who wish to showcase their services online; shoppers who desire to buy goods at discounted prices and Individuals who love interacting and networking with friends and loved ones from all locations in Nigeria and globally. “The portal is the first of its kind in the industry, combining the power of social media and eCommerce. It offers businesses access to display their goods and services on the web at no cost to them; retailers and buyers can comment on items displayed as well as have live interactions with merchants on particular goods and services.” he said
Also speaking on the partnership, the CEO of 3AL Limited, Mr. Oladapo Okupe said,” the portal will totally revolutionize retail business in Nigeria & Africa enabling consumers to interact with merchants efficiently and in a secured manner. “As a proudly Nigerian initiative, 3AL Limited is excited with this opportunity to assist in the growth and empowerment of businesses and we are proud to have FirstBank as a strategic partner in empowering Nigerians to grow their businesses, reach their goals and achieve their dreams”. He said.
About FirstBank
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s leading financial services institution by total assets and gross earnings. With more than 7 million customers, FirstBank has over 700 branches and five (5) subsidiary companies, providing a comprehensive range of financial services. The Bank has international presence through its subsidiaries, FBN Bank (UK) Limited in London, and Banque International de Credit (B.I.C) in the Republic of Congo, as well as its Representative Offices in Johannesburg, Beijing and Abu Dhabi. FirstBank is recipient of several recent awards including the “Best Banking Group in Nigeria” by World Finance Banking Awards, “Best Financial Reporting Company” by Africa Investor, “Most Innovative Bank in Africa” by African Banker Awards, “The Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards, “The Best Indigenous Place to Work For in Nigeria” and “The Best Financial Services Company to Work For in Nigeria” by the Great Place to Work Awards, and “The Bank of the Year in Nigeria” by The Banker Magazine. In addition, for two consecutive years, 2012 and 2013, FirstBank has been named “Nigeria’s Number One Banking Brand” by Brand Finance Top 500 Banking Brands. 