The Bank of Industry (BOI) says it disbursed N636 billion to more than 7,000 businesses in 2025 as the development finance institution ramps up support for industrial growth, SMEs, youth-led enterprises, and women-owned businesses across Nigeria.
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The bank disclosed the figures in a series of performance materials highlighting what it described as its “strongest year on record” under the leadership of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olasupo Olusi.
According to BOI, the N636 billion disbursed supported or created about 1.6 million jobs across different sectors of the economy, while the institution maintained a non-performing loan ratio below 1.5 per cent.
The figures show that BOI’s financing activities cut across agro-allied businesses, infrastructure, manufacturing, extractives, and services.
Agro-allied businesses received the largest share of financing at N202 billion, followed by infrastructure with N100 billion. Manufacturing received N79 billion, while extractives and services got N77 billion and N55 billion respectively.
The bank said the intervention reflects its broader strategy of financing Nigeria’s productive economy and supporting businesses capable of driving industrial expansion and job creation.
BOI also revealed that it disbursed N178 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), N10 billion to women-led businesses, and N12 billion to youth-owned businesses.
The institution added that more than N6.5 billion was deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its nationwide intervention programmes.
“At a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s economy, the Bank of Industry is redefining development finance through impact, inclusion, and innovation,” the bank said in a statement shared on its official platforms.
BOI stated that its current focus areas include SME growth, digital transformation, youth development, gender inclusion, climate sustainability, and infrastructure development.
The bank described itself as “an impact-driven development finance institution supporting Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.”
The development comes as Nigerian businesses continue to face rising operating costs, foreign exchange pressure, weak infrastructure, and limited access to affordable credit.
Analysts say development finance institutions such as BOI are becoming increasingly important in supporting sectors that commercial banks often consider too risky for long-term lending.
The bank also highlighted its sustainability efforts, stating that its clean energy initiatives attracted N825 million in financing and contributed to reducing carbon emissions by about 20,000 tonnes.
BOI recently won the “Best Bank in Sustainable Finance (Nigeria)” at the 2026 Sustainable Finance Awards organised by Global Finance.
The institution said its long-term strategy is focused on building resilient businesses, expanding access to finance, and accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation through targeted investments in critical sectors.
“This is about building businesses and transforming lives,” the bank said.
