The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Plc has announced a total dividend payout of N8.5 billion to shareholders, as the institution reported significant milestones in its financing support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with cumulative lending exceeding N1.4 trillion and over 1.6 million jobs created as at 2025.
- +DBN announces N8.5bn dividend, MSME lending reaches N1.4tn, jobs hit 1.6m
The dividend, which amounts to 85 naira per share, was approved by shareholders at the bank’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja on Thursday.
The dividend, which amounts to 85 naira per share, was approved by shareholders at the bank’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja on Thursday. The payout aligns with the bank’s dividend policy of a maximum 25 per cent payout ratio, as previously endorsed by shareholders.
Speaking at the AGM, Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said the bank’s performance goes beyond financial returns, emphasizing its developmental impact on Nigeria’s economy.
“First and foremost, we always like to talk about our performance from the impact perspective. I don’t only look at financials, I want to look at impact,” he said.
Okpanachi noted that since inception, DBN has disbursed over N1.4 trillion to participating financial institutions, which in turn lend to MSMEs across the country. This, he said, has supported the creation of more than 1.6 million jobs.
“In 2025 alone, we disbursed over N300 billion to MSMEs across the country, reaching more than 180,000 businesses. But beyond disbursement, we focus on the impact, ensuring the funds reach the intended beneficiaries and contribute to business growth and job creation,” he added.
He explained that DBN operates an indirect lending model, working through partner financial institutions such as commercial and microfinance banks, which bear the credit risk and determine lending rates.
The bank also ramped up its capacity-building efforts, training over 48,000 MSMEs in 2025 on best business practices and improving access to finance.
“We believe building capacity is critical. It’s not just about providing funds but ensuring MSMEs are equipped to manage and grow their businesses effectively,” Okpanachi said.
Also speaking, Kyari Bukar, an Independent Non-Executive Director, described the bank’s performance as overwhelmingly positive, noting that the dividend payout underscores DBN’s financial sustainability and strong corporate governance framework.
“It is a case in point for institutions with government ownership. With strong governance and experienced leadership, we have been able to grow this institution to a point where it can declare significant dividends while delivering on its mandate,” Bukar said.
He highlighted that major shareholders, including the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), would benefit from the dividend.
Bukar reiterated that DBN’s core mandate remains driving financial inclusion by supporting MSMEs, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, through accessible financing and partnerships with financial institutions.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the bank’s outlook for 2026 despite global economic uncertainties, noting that DBN would continue to expand MSME participation and strengthen capacity-building initiatives.
“As we navigate ongoing economic headwinds, we remain committed to creating value for our shareholders while deepening our impact on MSMEs across the country,” he said.
The Development Bank of Nigeria exists to alleviate financing constraints faced by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria through providing financing, partial credit guarantees and technical assistance to eligible financial intermediaries on a market-conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.
