Jaiz Bank Plc plans to expand its network of branches from the current five to 25 before the end of the year, its General Manager, Business Development, Malam Hassan Usman, has said.

The bank is currently operating in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri and Gombe states.

Usman said they are targeting additional 10 branches to be opened across the northern part of the country before the end of this quarter.

"Our plan is to expand to 25 branches before the end of the year," a statement issued by the spokesperson of the bank Idris Salihu quoted Usman as saying.

Jaiz commenced operation as the first full-fledged Non-Interest Islamic Bank in Nigeria on January 6, 2012 with a share capital of N5 billion. This has grown to over N11 billion.

The General Manager said work is in progress to upgrade the bank from regional license holder to a national license holder which will allow it to have branches in all the states of the federation.

Usman said at the ongoing 34th Kaduna International Trade Fair, where Jaiz unveiled its products and services that the bank is firmly committed to the provision of ethical banking services.

Key amongst the areas being financed by the bank are the agricultural sector, small and medium scale industries and home finance. Other products are Jaiz home finance, Jaiz auto finance, Jaiz home appliances finance, lease finance as well as working capital and asset acquisition finance.

Speaking at the bank's Special Day at the fair, the General Manager reiterated the fact that the bank is built on strong fundamental principles of high ethics, fairness, objectivity and transparency.

He said: "The bank was at the fair to enlighten its customers and prospective customers about its product and services and also to debunk the notion that these are for Muslims only.

"Jaiz offers financing products and services like other conventional banks except of course, these are devoid of interest. Our services are available to all irrespective of race or religion. It is about building partnership for mutual interest."