The Bank of Industry (BOI) has disclosed that it disbursed N636 billion to approximately 7,000 Nigerian businesses in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most significant sources of long-term development finance for the country’s productive sector.
Read also: Customs unveils Lagos Free Zone green channel to reduce trade costs
Funding across key sectors
According to the institution, the disbursements were directed towards manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy, healthcare, creative industries and digital enterprises. The bank explained that the funding structure was designed to expand production capacity, improve value addition and strengthen domestic supply chains.
BOI stated that the intervention reached both large enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses, with a deliberate focus on inclusive growth. A significant portion of the funding reportedly supported SMEs that typically struggle to access commercial bank credit due to collateral requirements and high interest rates.
The bank added that the financing activities contributed to the creation and preservation of an estimated 1.6 million jobs nationwide, covering direct and indirect employment.
Read also: SMEs could boost UK economy by £25bn through digital tools
Addressing financing constraints
Limited access to affordable capital remains one of the most pressing barriers facing Nigerian SMEs. Many small businesses rely on informal funding sources, which restrict their ability to scale operations.
BOI said its mandate centres on bridging this financing gap through structured intervention programmes offering longer repayment tenures and competitive rates. The institution also highlighted partnerships with state governments, development agencies and private investors aimed at expanding credit access to underserved sectors.
Industry observers note that development finance institutions play a critical role in stabilising businesses during periods of economic pressure, including inflation, foreign exchange volatility and rising operating costs.
Read also: MrBeast’s fintech bet raises new questions about trust, risk
Implications for industrial growth
The scale of the N636bn disbursement signals sustained institutional commitment to industrialisation and enterprise development. Analysts argue that consistent funding support is necessary to strengthen local manufacturing, reduce import dependence and stimulate export competitiveness.
The bank indicated that youth-led and women-owned enterprises remain priority segments in its funding strategy. It also reiterated its commitment to digital transformation initiatives that enhance transparency and loan monitoring.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification, sustained access to structured capital will remain central to expanding SME productivity and long-term job creation. The latest figures position BOI as a key driver of enterprise resilience within Nigeria’s business ecosystem.
