The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has reinforced its position as a key driver of small business growth, revealing that its financing activities have supported the creation of approximately 1.6 million jobs since its inception in 2015.
Speaking at the bank’s 9th Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Managing Director and CEO Tony Okpanachi disclosed that the institution has disbursed over ₦1.4 trillion to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through partner financial institutions nationwide.
Rising Annual Impact
In 2025 alone, DBN released more than ₦300 billion in funding, reaching over 180,000 businesses. The figures highlight a steady expansion in financial support at a time when many Nigerian SMEs continue to face challenges accessing affordable credit.
Okpanachi emphasized that the bank’s objective goes beyond lending volumes. Instead, DBN focuses on ensuring that funds translate into tangible business outcomes such as increased productivity, expansion, and job creation.
Indirect Lending Model Driving Reach
DBN operates through an indirect lending structure, partnering with commercial and microfinance banks that handle loan distribution, pricing, and risk assessment. This approach allows the institution to scale its impact efficiently by leveraging existing financial networks embedded across local markets.
Beyond Capital: Building SME Capacity
Recognizing that funding alone is not sufficient, DBN has also intensified its training initiatives. In 2025, over 48,000 SMEs received capacity-building support in areas such as financial management and business operations.
This dual approach—combining access to capital with practical skills development—is designed to improve the long-term sustainability of small businesses, particularly in a challenging economic environment.
Shareholder Returns and Financial Stability
At the AGM, shareholders approved a dividend payout of ₦8.5 billion, equivalent to 85 kobo per share. The payout aligns with the bank’s policy of maintaining a disciplined dividend ratio while continuing to reinvest in its development mandate.
A Broader Economic Role
DBN’s expanding role reflects a shift toward more structured support for Nigeria’s SME sector, which remains a major contributor to employment and economic activity.
By integrating financing with training and leveraging partnerships across the financial system, the bank is positioning itself not just as a lender, but as a catalyst for sustainable enterprise growth across Nigeria.
