The Development Bank of Nigeria has rewarded outstanding financial institutions for their positive contribution to the development of MSMEs across the country.
DBN recently revealed that the 2025 DBN Service Ambassadors’ Awards recognised remarkable partners by disbursing N273.4bn in the past year, with total disbursement now more than N1tn.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, held recently in Lagos under the theme “Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth”, the Managing Director of DBN, Tony Okpanachi, hailed the PFIs for their positive strides towards increasing the capacity of Nigerian MSMEs.
Tony shared that the banks deserve recognition for playing a key role in transforming brilliant ideas into bankable businesses by advising Nigerian MSME owners correctly.
“You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs, young people, and businesses seeking to scale up. We appreciate you for transforming aspirational ideas into bankable businesses through the advisory roles you play.
Let’s shift the focus from accolades to impact. This is about Nigeria’s future, not just a moment of recognition.
The 2025 DBN Service Ambassadors’ Awards reinforced a core message: while awards acknowledge past achievements, the true legacy lies in continued collaboration, innovation, and impact on Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
Tony noted that the awards are not just meant to recognise the firms, they are a call to deepen impact via innovation, awareness campaigns, and flaunting success stories.
DBN’s Chief Operating Officer then broke down a performance scorecard that highlighted the bank’s milestones, stressing that disbursement to female-led enterprises rose by 151.24 per cent, while youth-focused financing for individuals aged 18–35 grew by over 181 per cent.
The COO also announced that financial inclusion increased by more than 110 per cent, further reiterating DBN’s commitment to inclusive development.
On the recipients of the DBN awards, UBA was awarded the Highest Impact on MSMEs and received the Platinum Service Ambassador Award, LAPO Microfinance Bank got various honours, including Highest Impact on Grassroots MSMEs and Women MSMEs, Providus Bank was awarded for supporting Nigeria’s livestock value chain, while FCMB and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc earned the DBN Sustainability Award for their green and socially responsible initiatives.
