The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has honoured its partner financial institutions (PFIs) for their outstanding contributions to the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The recognition came during the 2025 DBN Service Ambassadors’ Awards held in Lagos under the theme, “Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth.”
In the past year alone, DBN disbursed ₦273.4 billion to MSMEs, pushing total disbursements to over ₦1 trillion since the bank’s inception. The event highlighted the critical role financial institutions play in empowering entrepreneurs and sustaining economic progress at the grassroots level.
In his keynote address, DBN Managing Director Tony Okpanachi praised the efforts of PFIs in expanding financial access and building the capacity of MSMEs nationwide. He described the awards as both recognition and a rallying call for deeper impact.
“We appreciate you for transforming aspirational ideas into bankable businesses through the advisory roles you play,” Okpanachi said. “But beyond recognition, this is a call to drive innovation, promote financial awareness, and share stories that inspire.”
DBN’s Chief Operating Officer presented a performance scorecard that showcased major achievements in the past year. Notable increases were recorded in funding to women-led enterprises, which grew by over 151 percent, and youth-focused financing for Nigerians aged 18 to 35, which surged by more than 181 percent. Financial inclusion also improved by 110 percent, reflecting DBN’s sustained commitment to inclusive development.
The bank’s partnership network has grown significantly, expanding from just five PFIs to over 79 in the past five years—underscoring the growing ecosystem of institutions supporting Nigeria’s MSME sector.
Several institutions were recognized for their specific contributions. UBA received the Platinum Service Ambassador Award for having the highest impact on MSMEs. LAPO Microfinance Bank earned multiple honours for its reach among grassroots and women-led businesses. Providus Bank was awarded for its efforts in supporting Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
FCMB and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc were honoured with the DBN Sustainability Award for promoting environmentally responsible and socially inclusive finance. Other awardees included Fidelity Bank for driving innovation, Stanbic IBTC for enabling first-time access to credit, and Wema Bank alongside Baobab Microfinance Bank for their support in financing startups.
The event also served as a platform for DBN to reaffirm its strategic intent to scale up support for MSMEs through deeper collaboration with financial institutions. It urged partners to strengthen their advisory services and amplify the voices of entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities.
“The 2025 DBN Service Ambassadors’ Awards reinforced a core message: while awards acknowledge past achievements, the true legacy lies in sustained partnership, innovation, and shared impact on Nigeria’s economic future,” the bank stated.
With an ambitious plan in place to significantly expand its support for the MSME sector, DBN continues to position itself as a key driver of inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
