United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has won the best financial services company award at the 2026 National Sustainability Achievements Awards.

A statement by the bank on Monday in Lagos said UBA received the award during the Nigeria ESG Sustainability Summit 2026 held in Lagos.

The summit had the theme, “Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World.”

The statement signed by Ramon Nasir, Head, Media and External Relations, United Bank for Africa, said the award recognised the bank’s commitment to environmental, social and governance principles across its operations and business strategy.

It attracted sustainability experts, regulators, policymakers and business leaders from different sectors.

The event was organised by ESG Impact Consulting Ltd in partnership with the European Sustainable Development Organisation.

They recognised organisations making measurable contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

UBA said it had implemented initiatives in responsible financing, environmental conservation and financial literacy.

The bank also listed youth empowerment, education support and community projects among its sustainability interventions.

It said ESG considerations had been integrated into lending and investment decisions.

UBA added that its digital banking solutions had improved financial inclusion for underserved individuals and businesses.

The bank recently joined the Nigeria Plastics Financing Task Force under the National Plastic Action Partnership.

The initiative seeks to mobilise financing and partnerships to reduce plastic pollution in Nigeria.

UBA said it had also promoted environmental stewardship through tree planting and community clean up campaigns.

It added that investments in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship remained key priorities across its markets.

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, UBA Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, described the recognition as validation of the bank’s sustainability efforts.

Ajibola said sustainability remained central to UBA’s business decisions and risk management framework.

She said the bank considered the impact of every decision on communities, the environment and future generations.

According to her, the recognition shows that responsible business practices and growth can go together.

She reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to maintaining sustainable practices as it expands across Africa.

UBA Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, described the award as a significant milestone.

Ladipo said the recognition reflected years of investment in responsible banking and community development.

She added that customers increasingly preferred institutions that created value beyond financial returns.

According to her, the award would encourage UBA to deepen its sustainability efforts across Africa.