Jaiz Bank unveils plan to finance agric, SMEs

By The Citizen

Jaiz Bank Plc has restated its commitment to the provision of ethical banking services with the introduction of products that will enable it to finance key sectors of the economy.

A statement from the bank on Thursday listed major areas being financed by the bank as the agricultural sector, small and medium scale industries and home finance.

The statement also quoted the General Manager, Business Development of the bank, Malam Hassan Usman, as saying that the bank was built on strong principles of high ethics, fairness, objectivity and transparency.

Usman, who spoke at the 34th Kaduna International Trade Fair said, 'The bank was at the fair to enlighten its customers and prospects about its products and services and also to debunk the notion that they are for Muslims only.

'Jaiz offers financing products and services like other conventional banks. Our services are available to all irrespective of race or religion. It is about building partnership for mutual interest.'

He also indicated that work was in progress to upgrade its current licence to a national banking licence, adding that the move would allow the bank to have branches in all the states of the federation.

It could be recalled that Jaiz Bank commenced operation as a first full-fledged non-interest Islamic bank in Nigeria on January 6, 2012 with a share capital of N5bn, which has now grown to over N11bn.