By Babajide Komolafe

Zenith Bank has become the first company in Nigeria to achieve at once three certifications from British Standards Institution (BSI). Last week the bank achieved the BIS certifications for  Information Security Management System ISO/IEC 27001:20013, IT Service Management System ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011 and Business Continuity Management System, ISO 22301:2012.

In a ceremony in Lagos, the certificates were awarded to the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia and the CEO, Peter Amamgbo by British Standards Institution (BSI) from the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Mike Purves. A number of high ranking executives, officials and employees also attended the ceremony from Zenith Bank and Global Info Swift.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank remarked: “Our commitment to these internationally accepted standards stems from a resolve to deepen customer experience through greater information security, an efficient IT management system and a robust business continuity plan that emphasizes the protection of the customers and their investments in an increasingly unpredictable business environment. Certification to these three standards is strong proof of the bank’s commitment to implement policies and practices that meet globally recognized standards.”

The Chief Executive officer, Mr Peter Amamgbo commented that “Zenith Bank is proud to have achieved this milestone, technology is at the core of our business strategy in order to meet the needs of our customers. For us, the customer is the reason we are in business, therefore it is essential that we deliver exceptional customer services. Certification to these standards will assist us in doing this.

He said, “Today is a landmark occasion. Landmark, not just because Zenith Bank is being awarded, but today is actually a special journey for me. We are talking of a three in one award and this is the first time in the history of this country that any institution at all, whether financial institution, manufacturing or service industry would be having these three certifications at the same time.

“I want to say that the award itself comes with a lot of responsibilities. It challenges us further to ensure that we keep to the tenets of the awards and I want to assure the BSI and all those present here today that the management and board of Zenith Bank is absolutely committed to continue to support this initiative and we would continue to give our support to ensure that this bank gains other certifications. We should not rest on our oars. We would also ensure that the award and all what it stands for is engraved in our DNA.”

He further added that “becoming certified to these three standards provides evidence in our efforts to comply with local and international regulations relating to data protection, privacy and IT governance. “We hope through implementing ISO/IEC 27001, it will give greater confidence to our customers,” he said.