The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has announced the upcoming fifth edition of its Annual DBN Lecture Series, scheduled for September 25 at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja. The event will address the challenges facing Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the theme: “Empowering Nigerian MSMEs in a Challenging Global Landscape.”
The lecture, aimed at reinforcing DBN’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, will feature Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, as the keynote speaker. Additionally, a panel of distinguished industry leaders, including Abba Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, and Ajuma Ataguba, Managing Director of Founder Institute and Venture Partner at White Hibiscus Capital, will share insights on navigating the current business environment.
DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Tony Okpanachi, emphasized the importance of the event, noting that MSMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but face significant challenges, both locally and globally. “Access to affordable financing remains a major obstacle for MSMEs. The disruptions in global supply chains have also impacted the production and profitability of these businesses,” Okpanachi said.
He also highlighted the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to support the sector through various interventions aimed at stimulating growth. The DBN Annual Lecture Series, he added, is one of the bank’s initiatives to complement government efforts in reviving the MSME sector.
Okpanachi expressed confidence that this year’s lecture will provide innovative solutions to enhance the productivity of Nigeria’s real sector and empower MSMEs to thrive despite current challenges.
