First Bank Responds to Concerns Regarding The Introduction of Humanoid Robots in Its Branches
Multinational bank and financial services company in Nigeria, First Bank, has addressed concerns surrounding the deployment of humanoid robots in its branches.
The introduction of humanoid robots is in furtherance of the Bank’s role in providing innovative financial solutions in Nigeria. Also, the robot is among the phased configurations of the Bank’s state-of-the-art digitally led self-service branch called Digital Experience Centre, which launched in December 2021.
In an exclusive interview with ThisDay, the CEO of First Bank Nigeria, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan spoke on the introduction of the robot, and also addressed concerns about the job displacement of employees.
Dr. Adeduntan emphasized that the introduction of humanoid robots aligns with the bank’s forward-looking approach to the future of financial services delivery, and providing innovative financial solutions in Nigeria.
Launched initially in Lagos in 2021, the DXC stands as a fully automated interactive digital branch, redefining customers’ banking experiences through digitized self-service. Subsequent rollouts at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and the Wuse branch in Abuja have garnered positive feedback from customers, especially those in the retail segments.
Responding to concerns about potential job displacement for bank employees, Adeduntan clarified the bank’s stance on the matter. He emphasized that the DXC is not intended to replace employees but rather to enhance efficiency and productivity.
In his words,
“The DXC is not a trade-off for our employees but an enabler to free up our staff’s productive time to take on more complex and rewarding tasks within the Bank.”
He further reassured the public by highlighting the bank’s ongoing commitment to employee empowerment. He said, “Given our several laudable employee initiatives, we are well-equipped to empower our employees to take on any other role they may desire within the larger FirstBank Group.”
The introduction of the humanoid robot to First Bank’s state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre represents a purposeful stride towards transforming the banking landscape in the country and further showcases the priority on innovation.
