Alt Bank targets underserved communities with six banking, health hubs

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

Alt Bank has said it is partnering Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State to establish six integrated banking and primary healthcare centres as part of efforts to address gaps in access to essential services in underserved communities.

According to a statement signed by its Divisional Head, Digital Banking and Commerce, Mohammed Yunusa, the centres, known as AltBoxes, will be unveiled on Wednesday, with each facility providing separate sections for banking and primary healthcare services.

Yunusa said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with Agege Local Government. He said the six centres were expected to serve residents, traders and small business owners, particularly those with limited access to conventional banking facilities and primary healthcare services.

He explained that the project was part of a broader plan to establish an AltBox in each of the seven wards in Agege Local Government Area, adding that the initiative was designed to bring banking and healthcare services closer to residents.

“For alt bank, the initiative reflects a commitment to extending financial inclusion beyond conventional banking locations and bringing formal financial services closer to underserved communities. It also shows how community-based infrastructure can meet everyday needs and encourage broader participation in the formal financial system.

“The healthcare component complements this approach by making primary healthcare services available alongside financial services. This focus on accessible healthcare also aligns with alt bank’s HEART strategy, which recognises health as an important area of its community investment. Together, the two service areas offer a practical model for addressing essential community needs while supporting local economic activity.

“The Agege AltBox highlights the value of collaboration between financial institutions and local authorities in developing solutions that respond to community needs. Through initiatives such as AltBox, alt bank continues to explore ways to advance financial inclusion, improve access to essential services, and expand economic opportunities, in line with its purpose of Creating Wealth.

“Building on this approach, alt bank is open to collaborating with other local and state governments interested in adopting similar models to improve access to primary healthcare and advance financial inclusion for their residents. The bank recognises the importance of working with public institutions to develop locally relevant solutions that respond to the needs of the communities they serve,” the statement reads in part.