Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Plc has commenced a nationwide capacity-building training programme for livestock-focused Small and Medium Enterprises and DBN participating financial institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, under a World Bank–funded initiative.
According to DBN on Wednesday, the first phase of the training programme will commence in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, before moving to other regions.
The capacity-building programme is being implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project and is designed to strengthen the capacity of participating financial institutions to design and refine financial products that address the funding gap faced by SMEs operating in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The training is also aimed at improving the financial readiness of SMEs within the livestock value chain by equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding, expand operations, and scale their businesses. DBN said the programme will also provide a platform for engagement, dialogue, and improved understanding between PFIs and livestock enterprises.
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tony Okpanachi, highlighted the broader impact of the programme on the economy. He said, “Our capacity-building training programme is a catalyst for unlocking the potential of livestock enterprises as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and prosperity in Nigeria,” and urged SMEs and PFIs across all zones to participate actively.
Okpanachi further noted that capacity-building remains critical to MSME growth in Nigeria, stressing that it helps bridge existing knowledge and skills gaps. “Capacity-building is pivotal for MSMEs’ growth in Nigeria as it bridges the knowledge and skills gap, empowering entrepreneurs to innovate, compete, and thrive in a rapidly-evolving economy,” he said.
He explained that the LPRES SME/PFI Regional Training will strengthen the skills and capacity of livestock-focused SMEs for business growth and sustainability, while also supporting national economic growth.
DBN said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Livestock Development Initiative under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to improve food security, create jobs, and reposition the livestock sector.
The training will be implemented in selected LPRES states across the six geopolitical zones to ensure equitable national representation. Regional sessions are scheduled to hold in Enugu for the South-East, Adamawa for the North-East, Ondo for the South-West and South-South, Kano for the North-West, and Kogi for the North-Central.
DBN stated that the DBN-LPRES SME/PFI Regional Training will draw participants from SMEs, PFIs, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the LPRES National Coordinating Office and State Coordinating Offices, as well as DBN and ICGL teams.
It is projected that no fewer than 200 PFIs, 300 SMEs, and DBN and ICGL staff will be reached through the sessions. DBN added that SMEs qualify for a grant.
