The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has announced a major milestone in its mission to support small businesses, revealing that it has disbursed over N1 trillion to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country since it began operations in 2017.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, said the bank has now entered a new phase of growth aimed at increasing financial access, supporting underserved businesses, and creating more employment opportunities nationwide.
According to him, the bank has channelled more than N1 trillion through 84 participating financial institutions, helping over one million businesses gain access to financing. These interventions have also contributed to the creation of more than 1.6 million jobs across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
To build on this achievement, DBN has unveiled a five-year strategic plan that will focus on expanding its developmental impact. Under the new strategy, the bank plans to raise N1.3 trillion in fresh debt and equity capital to provide additional support for MSMEs.
The bank also aims to increase its outstanding loans portfolio to N1 trillion while growing its credit guarantee portfolio to N500 billion. DBN believes these efforts will stimulate business growth and economic development while generating up to two million direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.
In addition, the institution projects that its operations during the period will deliver approximately N300 billion in cumulative profit before tax.
A key part of the strategy is promoting inclusive growth. DBN plans to ensure that 40 percent of its lending goes to women-owned businesses, while 30 percent will be directed toward youth-led enterprises. The bank also intends to expand financing opportunities in underserved regions and economically disadvantaged states.
Okpanachi noted that women have consistently been the biggest beneficiaries of the bank’s programmes. Since inception, women-led businesses have accounted for 77 percent of all enterprises supported by DBN, while youth-owned businesses represent 28 percent of beneficiaries.
The bank has also extended significant support to businesses operating in economically challenged states. More than N108 billion has been disbursed to over 132,000 MSMEs in states such as Borno State, Adamawa State, Katsina State, Yobe State, and Zamfara State.
DBN’s performance in 2025 further highlighted its growing influence. During the year, the bank disbursed more than N358 billion to over 289,000 MSMEs. Women accounted for 81 percent of beneficiaries, while youth-led businesses made up 17 percent.
Additionally, over N59 billion was provided to more than 63,000 businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas during the year.
Beyond financing, DBN has invested heavily in capacity building. The bank has trained more than 52,000 MSMEs nationwide and provided technical support to over 20 participating financial institutions to improve lending practices for small businesses.
Its credit guarantee subsidiary has also recorded strong growth, issuing more than N512 billion in guarantees to over 100,000 MSMEs since 2019. In 2025 alone, guarantees worth N233 billion were provided to over 39,000 businesses.
Looking ahead, DBN plans to strengthen its green finance initiatives by maintaining between N75 billion and N100 billion in green loans while expanding entrepreneurship and business training programmes to reach 500,000 MSMEs.
Since its launch in November 2017, the Development Bank of Nigeria has continued to play a crucial role in supporting small businesses, boosting financial inclusion, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.
