The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) says its financing interventions have continued to drive job creation and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Speaking after the bank’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Managing Director and CEO Tony Okpanachi revealed that the institution has disbursed over ₦300 billion to approximately 180,000 MSMEs within the year under review.
He also stated that since its establishment, DBN has cumulatively provided over ₦1.4 trillion in funding through financial institutions that on-lend to small businesses, resulting in the creation of about 1.6 million jobs nationwide.
According to him, the bank’s focus is not only on the volume of loans disbursed but also on the real economic impact of those funds. DBN conducts follow-up assessments to ensure that financing reaches intended beneficiaries and contributes meaningfully to business growth and job creation.
In addition to funding, the institution reported that more than 48,000 MSMEs have benefited from capacity-building programmes aimed at improving financial management, business practices, and access to credit.
These training initiatives are designed to help small businesses become more bankable and better prepared to secure financing from partner financial institutions.
Also speaking, a board member of DBN, Bukar Abba Kyari, announced that the institution paid out ₦8.5 billion in dividends to shareholders during the period under review, reflecting improved financial performance.
Looking ahead to 2026, DBN says it will deepen its focus on expanding MSME participation in the financial system while scaling up training and support programmes. The institution also noted that despite global economic uncertainties, it remains committed to strengthening financial inclusion and supporting small business growth across Nigeria.
