In a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) has offered free eye screening services and provided corrective glasses to its dedicated staff. This initiative formed a central component of the bank's 2026 Sustainability Week activities, underscoring a belief that sustainability originates with its people.
Prioritising Employee Health and Productivity
The microfinance bank articulated that this programme reinforces its conviction that every employee, regardless of their position or responsibilities, deserves access to vital opportunities and support systems that actively promote good health, overall wellbeing, and enhanced productivity. The week-long event strategically coincided with World Sustainability Day, an annual observance held on 28th October.
"Citizen of Change: Local Roots, Global Impact"
Under the compelling theme, "Citizen of Change: Local Roots, Global Impact," the diverse array of activities undertaken during the week served to highlight LAPO MfB's extensive sustainability initiatives and its steadfast dedication to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These activities included a sensitisation visit to Ayedere Ajibola Senior High School in Ketu, Lagos, aimed at educating students on critical aspects of environmental sustainability, the aforementioned free eye screenings and provision of corrective glasses for staff, and the ground-breaking Circularity Expo – the first of its kind within Nigeria's microfinance banking subsector.
Through these impactful initiatives, LAPO MfB is significantly bolstering its contributions to several key SDGs, namely:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Circularity Expo and Sustainable Finance
A significant highlight of the week was the Circularity Expo 2026, which effectively shone a spotlight on innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business practices designed to promote resource efficiency, recycling, reuse, and responsible consumption. The expo underscored the crucial role that financial institutions play in empowering businesses and communities to embrace circular economy principles and build more resilient livelihoods.
Ngozi Nwaichi, Head of Sustainability at LAPO MfB, commented on the bank's deep commitment to sustainability, stating, "Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment; it is also about improving lives, creating opportunities and ensuring that people and communities can thrive. Our theme reflects our belief that every responsible action, whether within our workplace or in the communities we serve, contributes to a much larger global objective."
Broader Sustainability Initiatives
Beyond its internal workplace programmes, LAPO MfB continues to drive sustainable finance through its pioneering Green Clean Lending programme. This initiative has successfully supported the financing of over 768,000 clean energy products, with a substantial sum exceeding ₦21.72 billion disbursed for items such as solar home systems, solar-powered appliances, refrigerators, freezers, and clean cookstoves. These interventions are actively expanding access to cleaner energy alternatives for communities while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Furthermore, through its collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the bank has facilitated the planting of 3,000 trees. Its partnership with Water.org, backed by a $200,000 commitment, is dedicated to improving access to water and sanitation for 12,000 households and 500 small businesses across Kano and Jigawa States by December 2027. These wide-ranging initiatives collectively underscore LAPO MfB’s significant contributions to the aforementioned key Sustainable Development Goals.