First Bank of Nigeria Limited has closed down its Kano main branch after it lost one of its staff to the deadly coronavirus disease.

The First Bank employee’s name, who passed away after getting infected with coronavirus, was given as Abdullahi Lawal.

In a statement confirming the death and branch closure on Saturday, April 25, the bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the branch has been closed for disinfection.

It also stated that all staff and customers who may have been in contact with the late banker should follow the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and self-isolate.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as we do all that is necessary to support them. We ask that all necessary courtesies be extended to the family so they can grieve privately,” the bank said.

“As a responsible corporate organisation, FirstBank has been at the fore-front of the concerted efforts against the coronavirus pandemic alongside others.

“We have robust protocols in place including practicing social distancing, frequently disinfecting our buildings and locations even whilst ensuring services are available through our alternative channels such as our ATMs and other digital platforms.

“We have immediately therefore, shut down access to the premises as we disinfect the entire location and ask all staff and customers who may have been in contact with our late colleague to follow the NCDC guidelines and self-isolate. We will, as a matter of course, extend all possible support to staff and customers at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts are with the family he left behind and indeed with the wider FirstBank family who mourn this loss deeply at this time.”

The bank assured that it remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff, customers, and host communities.

First Bank has been registered as the first Nigerian bank to record one death and victim as a result of coronavirus disease.