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  • BOI, NCGC to unlock N10b loans for women entrepreneurs

    BOI, NCGC to unlock N10b loans for women entrepreneurs

    The Bank of Industry (BOI), in partnership with the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to unlock N10billion in guaranteed loans for women entrepreneurs, as women economic participation gains major momentum.

    The Managing Director, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, who initiated the gender-inclusive financing, has continued to shape national Micro Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs development policy, noting that the idea is to create a credit-guarantee framework that will make financing more accessible and affordable for thousands of women-owned businesses nationwide.

    Olusi started this during the signing of the MoU with the Managing Director of NCGC, Mr Bonaventure Okhaimo in Abuja, saying that under the arrangement, NCGC will provide a 25 per cent credit guarantee cover on BoI loans, significantly reducing lender risk and enabling BOI to fund more women-led enterprises.

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    He said: “The initiative targets high-impact sectors including manufacturing, processing, ICT, digital marketing, e-commerce, the creative and entertainment industries, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and waste management.  The GLOW (Guaranteed Loans for Women) programme is a national intervention to remove long-standing barriers that prevent women from scaling their businesses.

    “This event represents more than a procedural milestone, it signals our collective commitment to expanding access to finance for the Nigerian entrepreneurs who power our economy, particularly women and MSMEs, GLOW was crafted to deliver affordable, flexible, and well-structured financing to women, which is designed by BOI from the ground up to close systemic gender-financing gaps.

    “With a N10billion fund, concessionary pricing at seven percent, flexible collateral arrangements, and embedded capacity building, GLOW reflects our intentional drive to close gender-financing gaps and stimulate inclusive growth, one of the clearest signs of its necessity is the overwhelming market response.

    ‘‘We have recorded over 33,000 applications in progress, with an estimated value exceeding ₦65bn”.

    Speaking, MD NCGC Bonaventure Okhaimo has assured that the organisation will start with a ₦5bn, as this will help and also support in managing portfolio risk, and reach women and MSMEs who are viable but previously underserved due to collateral constraints, this will allow women-owned businesses to access loans at lower interest rates and with faster approval timelines.

    BOI, NCGC to unlock N10bn guarantee loans for women entrepreneurs

  • Loan dispute: Court refers Dandis, BOI to mediation

    Loan dispute: Court refers Dandis, BOI to mediation

    The Lagos State High Court has adjourned the case between Dandis Global Resources Limited and the Bank of Industry (BOI) to February 18, 2026 to allow both parties explore the possibility of settling the matter through mediation.

    Dandis Global Resources Limited had filed the suit over an alleged failure by BOI to disburse approved loan facilities intended for the establishment of its chicken processing factory in Ibadan.

    According to the Statement of Claim, the company applied for a N75 million facility in 2018 but alleged that BOI delayed the process for years before eventually approving reduced sums in 2022 and 2023, namely a term loan of N30.3 million and working capital of N15.6 million.

    The claimant stated that despite paying all required fees and submitting disbursement requests for equipment, including a cold room, blast freezer, feed mill and generator, the bank allegedly refused to release any part of the loan.

    The company said it had already imported some machinery in reliance on the expected funding, while rising inflation and recent fiscal policies led to sharp increases in equipment costs, worsening its financial burden.

    Dandis Global claims the bank’s actions amounted to a fundamental breach of contract, preventing it from commencing operations at its agro-processing plant.

    The aggrieved Claimant had sued the Defendant seeking several reliefs over a disputed loan application. The Claimant is seeking the following reliefs; (I) A declaration that the Defendant committed breach of the 2023 Loan Agreement for failure to disburse the approved credit facilities; (ii) General damages of N225 million and (iii) Aggravated and Exemplary damages of N100 million.

    At the resumption of proceedings, counsel to the claimant, Jide Bodede, informed the court that the plaintiff was open to resolving the dispute amicably.

    He requested that the case be referred to mediation, noting that such a step could help both parties reach a settlement without proceeding to full trial.

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    “Our humble request this morning is for the matter to be referred to mediation. We believe that parties can explore an amicable settlement of this matter. If it is not possible, we will return to the court for trial,” Bodede said.

    In response, E.O. Okunade, counsel to the defendant, confirmed that the Bank of Industry expressed no objection to reference of the case to mediation. He added that the defendants were equally interested in an expedited reconciliation of the matter.

    “We are not opposed to exploring mediation to expedite the reconciliation of this matter,” he said.

    Justice Elizabeth Alakija, after hearing both counsel, directed that the matter be referred to mediation and adjourned the case to February 18, 2026, for a report of settlement and further proceedings.

  • BoI, NCDMB seal $100m content fund deal

    BoI, NCDMB seal $100m content fund deal

    The Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Nigeria Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on $100 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF)

    The equity investment scheme aimed at supporting high-potential Nigerian companies will also complement traditional debt financing and strengthen access to the long-term risk capital required for scale, competitiveness, and value creation.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the bank, Dr Olasupo Olusi, who spoke briefly at the ongoing Practical Nigeria Content (PNC) forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the collaboration between the BoI and the board marks a significant expansion of their long-standing relationship.

    He said: “I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and the entire NCDMB leadership for their partnership, shared vision, and unwavering commitment to strengthening indigenous participation across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.’

    “Through the $100 million NCIF Equity Investment Scheme, the Bank of Industry will deploy equity and quasi-equity capital to support high-potential Nigerian companies, complementing traditional debt financing and strengthening access to the long-term risk capital required for scale, competitiveness, and value creation,” he added.

    Olusi explained that the structure of the Fund reflects BoI’s proven equity investment approach, anchored on rigorous due diligence, disciplined investment review processes, and robust post-investment monitoring.

    “Our objective is to ensure that deployed capital generates credible commercial returns while advancing national priorities in local content development, manufacturing expansion, job creation, and technology transfer.

    “We are proud to partner with NCDMB on this milestone initiative, which aligns fully with the board’s 10-year roadmap and Nigeria’s broader industrial development agenda under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola  Tinubu,” he said.

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    The CEO reaffirmed the bank’s shared commitment to building resilient indigenous enterprises that can compete globally and deliver lasting economic value for Nigerians.

    Earlier in his opening remark, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Omatshola Ogbe, said the deal was part of the board’s efforts to provide affordable finance for local players in the industry.

    “This is a new product in our Nigerian Content Intervention Fund. This finance scheme will provide equity financing to high-growth indigenous energy service companies while diversifying our NCDF’s income base and strengthening local content development.

    “The Board has completed the framework for the issuance of the NCDF Compliance Certificate. This instrument will confirm companies’ compliance with the 1 per cent remittance obligations.

    “The certificate will become effective 1st January 2026 and will be required to get key permits and approvals from the Board,” Ogbe stated.

  • World Bank, BOI mull new development finance framework

    World Bank, BOI mull new development finance framework

    The World Bank in partnership with the Bank of Industry, BOI has created a framework for development finance with an aim to accelerate job creation, unlock private capital, and deepen financial inclusion across the country.

    The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis has emphasized the urgency of rethinking Nigeria’s development financial architecture to reflect changing global realities and domestic needs, stating that the partnership is to also chart a new development finance model to boast Nigeria’s economy.

        Verghis disclosed at the second edition of the Bank of Industry Development Lecture Series in Abuja, with the theme,  “Development Finance Imperatives: Rethinking Nigeria’s Path Forward,” as he explains that Nigeria is at a turning point with clear signs of macroeconomic stability emerging from the government’s ongoing reform efforts.

        He spoke on easing inflation, rising reserves, and growing industrial confidence as evidence that policy consistency and fiscal discipline were beginning to yield tangible results, he  describes the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a landmark achievement, signalling that the country’s financial system now meets international anti-money laundering standards.

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        According to him, “It is a signal that Nigeria’s anti-money laundering structures now meet international benchmarks, as a single step that enhances investor trust and strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Poverty and unemployment remain persistent challenges, noting that millions of Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits of macroeconomic reforms.

        “We are seeing progress in stabilization, but the purchasing power of citizens remains weak because inflation is still high, to sustain these reforms, we must focus on policies that drive job creation and increase access to finance. It is important for Nigeria to adopt a new model of development finance that mobilizes private capital and leverages digital innovation, the need to fill existing gaps in infrastructure and enterprise funding”.

        He argued that traditional models in which governments and donors directly fund infrastructure are no longer sufficient to meet Nigeria’s enormous needs, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, stating that if the country follows conventional financing approaches it will not take them  close to the infrastructure or enterprise goals, he explained that the country needs a shift, one that treats development finance not as an end in itself, but as a tool for structural transformation.

        Speaking, BOI Chairman, Dr. Mansur Muhtar called for deeper collaboration among public institutions, private investors, and development partners to create an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable growth, assuring that BOI remains committed to its mandate of driving industrialization and supporting businesses through innovative and responsible lending.

  • BoI: funding, skills gap hinder ESG adoption by MSMEs

    BoI: funding, skills gap hinder ESG adoption by MSMEs

    Bank of Industry (BoI) has identified limited access to finance and lack of technical capacity as the biggest challenges preventing Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from adopting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices — a global standard increasingly shaping investment and sustainability trends.

    This was revealed in the bank’s new report titled: “Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Adoption by Nigerian MSMEs”, launched yesterday in Lagos at the BoI’s inaugural ESG Conference which had: “Advancing ESG Adoption” as theme.

    According to the report, 78 per cent of MSMEs surveyed cited financial constraints as the major barrier to ESG adoption, while 65 per cent highlighted lack of technical expertise. Other challenges include limited policy-linked incentives (65 per cent), inadequate knowledge (45 per cent), and low customer demand (20 per cent).

    The nationwide survey captured over 300 valid responses from MSMEs across the six geopolitical zones, covering key sectors such as agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, creative industries, hospitality, healthcare, construction and financial services.

    Speaking at the event, BoI’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said MSMEs remain critical to the economy, accounting for over 80 per cent of businesses, contributing nearly half of the GDP, and employing millions of people.

    “Many still face barriers in understanding what ESG means in practice and how to embed the principles in their daily operations. These barriers make enterprises more vulnerable, less competitive, and less future-ready,” Olusi said.

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    He explained that BoI is working to bridge these gaps by equipping MSMEs with the tools and financing needed to operate sustainably and competitively in a changing global economy.

    “Our goal is to help MSMEs grow, compete and prosper sustainably and profitably. ESG principles will help us align our industrial ambitions with national and global climate goals, while enabling us to attract green capital, spur innovation and build industries that can compete globally,” he added.

    Olusi noted that the report aligns with Nigeria’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), particularly in achieving the country’s 47 per cent conditional emission reduction target by 2030.

    He said that embracing ESG practices would enhance MSMEs’ access to finance, as global investors and development finance institutions (DFIs) increasingly prioritise sustainability-linked projects.

    “ESG adoption will improve access to finance, help businesses manage risks, reduce costs, attract talent, and comply with emerging global standards,” Olusi said.

    The report recommended targeted financing instruments, capacity-building programmes, and gender-focused ESG credit schemes to close adoption gaps. It also called for the development of ESG-compliant loan products, regional hubs for technical training, and blended finance models to expand access to sustainable capital.

    Delivering the keynote, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi, said climate realities and changing investor expectations are reshaping global business environments.

    “The transition to a low-carbon future will profoundly affect how businesses compete, attract finance and build resilience. Global investors are redirecting trillions of dollars towards sustainable assets, while consumers now demand transparency and ethical sourcing,” she said.

    Majekodunmi stressed that for MSMEs in the country, adopting ESG principles is no longer optional but strategic.

    “Enterprises that adapt early by embedding ESG principles into their operations will become the preferred partners for global trade and finance,” she noted, describing BOI’s ESG framework as “a blueprint for directing finance towards inclusive and responsible industrial growth.”

    Deputy Country Director of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Mahamadou Diarra, commended BoI’s leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable financing within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

    “BoI’s proactive steps will position it as a trusted partner for international financiers,” Global development partners, including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, are harmonising ESG frameworks and due diligence standards,” Diarra said.

    He reaffirmed AFD’s commitment to supporting the BoI in strengthening its ESG management systems and promoting climate-linked investments nationwide.

    “As a key development partner, AFD places great emphasis on ensuring that institutions it supports maintain the same level of environmental and social diligence required in its own operations,” he added.

    With the launch of the ESG report, stakeholders say BoI has positioned itself at the centre of the nation’s sustainable industrialisation drive. Those at the event agreed that integrating ESG principles into MSME operations will not only boost competitiveness but also ensure Nigerian businesses remain viable in an economy increasingly defined by sustainability, accountability, and global market alignment.

  • BoI seeks competitive industrial base

    BoI seeks competitive industrial base

    Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi has called on  government,  businesses, and citizens to align efforts towards building a resilient and competitive industrial base, by ensuring a deliberate and coordinated actions to unlock Africa’s full industrial potential, noting  that the continent possess both the talent and resources to achieve rapid and sustainable industrial growth.

    Olusi spoke while delivering a lecture at the inauguration of Course 34 of the National Defence College in Abuja, with the theme, “Optimising capacity for industrialisation and socio-economic development in Africa,” stating that Africa’s industrial journey was not a matter of chance, but of deliberate choice.

    The MD outlined a five-point pathway to industrial transformation anchored on infrastructure and energy reforms, access to affordable long-term finance, investment in human capital, regional value-chain integration, and strong institutional coordination.

    According to him, “Industrialisation is not a miracle, it is a method,  Progress is cumulative, not spontaneous. If we execute with patience, precision, and persistence, Africa can move from a continent that consumes to one that produces and protects itself, the current method is a defining moment for the continent, global disruptions, such as the green transition, new technologies, and shifts in global trade—offer Africa an opportunity to re-imagine its economic model around self-reliance and innovation.

    “Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and energy deficits, the same barriers could become springboards for transformation if addressed strategically. The International Energy Agency estimates that Africa would need about $25 billion annually until 2030 to achieve universal electricity access—a goal that would significantly boost productivity and reduce industrial costs.

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    “While high interest rates and limited credit continue to constrain manufacturers, development finance institutions (DFIs) like the Bank of Industry remain crucial in providing patient capital for strategic sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. BOI continues to raise capital through debt instruments, syndicated loans, and green financing to support productive enterprises, the aim is to make every dollar of public capital count—driving impact, sustainability, and profitability.

    Olusi concluded with a call to action, urging Africa’s leaders to transform vision into execution, stating that, Industrialisation demands discipline, collaboration, and clarity of purpose, If we begin today, within five years we can export at scale and within a generation we can achieve true economic sovereignty.

  • BoI okays N2 billion single-digit loan to corpers

    BoI okays N2 billion single-digit loan to corpers

    The Bank of Industry (BoI) has set aside a N2billion for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members entrepreneurship programme with the aim of providing affordable loans to  all corpers across Nigeria, as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and promote youth-led enterprises.

    Its Managing Director, Dr Olasupo Olusi disclosed this at the launch of the programme in Abuja, stating that the initiative, known as the N2billion BoI–NYSC Entrepreneurship Programme will enable serving corps members to access up to N5million each at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent per annum.

    Represented by the Executive Director, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the BoI, Shekarau Omar, the MD said the money is repayable over three years, with a three-month moratorium on both principal and interest. He also described the initiative as a practical intervention designed to move young Nigerians from job-seekers to job-creators.

    He said: “The partnership between BoI and NYSC is built on previous collaborations such as the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF), first launched in 2015, which trained over 3,000 graduates, financed 609 businesses, and disbursed more than N1billion in loans. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent poultry farms, fashion houses, salons, tech start-ups, and creative studios brought to life.

    “The core lessons are clear, when young people receive targeted capacity building, affordable finance, and mentoring, they repay, they employ, and they grow, as he commends the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) department for its ongoing efforts in training corps members to become self-reliant.“

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    “The new loan scheme would complement SAED’s objectives and for our corps members, your service year is a launch pad, not a waiting room, start small, plan well, and stay disciplined about cash flow and compliances. With creativity and determination, you can become the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future.”

    Olasupo expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, the Director of SAED, and other top officials at the bank for their contributions toward designing and operationalizing the programme, assuring that the success of the initiative would be measured by the number of approvals granted, jobs created, and businesses that continue to thrive beyond the NYSC service year.

    Speaking, Brig-Gen Nafiu emphasized the importance of investing in youth for the nation’s future, highlighting the strategic nature of such investments, noting that not investing in youth is a greater risk as the collaboration between NYSC and BOI is an investment for the nation’s destiny, while appealing to the bank to scale up the intervention to N5billion so that more corps members can benefit from the initiative.

  • BOI reaffirms commitment to N75bn MSME fund, targets 225,000 jobs nationwide

    BOI reaffirms commitment to N75bn MSME fund, targets 225,000 jobs nationwide

    The Bank of Industry (BOI) has reiterated its commitment to improving access to affordable financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the continued disbursement of its ₦75 billion intervention fund. 

    The initiative aims to empower MSMEs, create over 75,000 direct jobs, and generate an additional 150,000 indirect jobs across Nigeria.

    Dr. Olusupo Olusi, Managing Director of BOI—represented by the Divisional Head of the Multilaterals Division, Yinka Adegboye—gave the assurance at the Presidential Loan Clinic for MSMEs held in Abuja over the weekend. 

    The event was organized in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation.

    Olusi noted that while many loans have been approved, disbursement delays persist due to incomplete documentation and compliance issues. 

    He emphasised that the clinic was designed to resolve such challenges and ensure that qualified Nigerian entrepreneurs can fully access the fund.

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    “This programme aligns with the President’s directive to make credit accessible, promote sustainability, support families, and drive GDP growth. Beyond funding, we are focused on capacity building, impact monitoring, and ensuring that loans translate into jobs and real economic value,” he said.

    BOI’s Regional Manager for the North Central, Nasiru Ozovehe, revealed that the bank has already approved ₦2.9 billion in funding for 662 businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with ₦900 million disbursed to 262 companies. 

    He encouraged more entrepreneurs to take advantage of the scheme, which offers loans of up to ₦5 million for registered businesses with growth potential.

    He urged unregistered businesses to formalize their operations in order to qualify for funding, stressing that the programme targets job creation, business sustainability, and improved household welfare.

    Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, commended the BOI for its transparent and effective handling of the programme. 

    He reiterated that the intervention was not only about disbursing funds but also about ensuring that entrepreneurs are equipped to utilize the loans productively.

    “The BOI is working directly with beneficiaries to eliminate bottlenecks. This is not just about giving out money—it’s about making sure the money works for your business, creates jobs, and grows the economy,” Adekunle-Johnson said.

    The Bank of Industry emphasized that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth. With over 39 million MSMEs contributing nearly 50% to Nigeria’s GDP and accounting for more than 80% of national employment, the BOI stressed that supporting the sector remains a strategic priority for sustainable development.

  • LCCI, BoI unveil innovation hub for youths

    LCCI, BoI unveil innovation hub for youths

    The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have inaugurated the LCCI-BoI Innovation Hub, to nurture youth-led innovation by providing access to mentorship, technical support, and investor network.

    The Hub, which marked a new chapter in collective pursuit of economic transformation through youth-driven innovation, job creation, and inclusive development, will also catalyse enterprise growth by offering sector-specific incubation programs.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the hub in Lagos, LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa, said the initiative will offer sector-specific incubation programs, especially in high-impact industries.

    He added that the Hub will build capacity through tailored workshops, upskill boot camps, and provide professional development resources.

    He listed other strategic goals of the hub to include job creation, by turning ideas into viable, scalable businesses; and as a platform for policy dialogue and advocacy, fostering conversations that will shape Nigeria’s enabling environment for innovation.

    According to the LCCI President, the Hub aligns with national and continental development strategies, including Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    He also said it comes at a critical time when Nigeria continues to lead the African tech startup space, with Nigerian startups attracting over $1.2 billion in venture capital, the highest on the continent.

    ‘This trend tells a compelling story that there is no shortage of ideas or talent here, but a critical need for infrastructure, coordination, and support,” Idahosa said.

    He stated that the facility symbolizes what can be achieved when collaboration, vision, and commitment converge.

    The LCCI chief applauded the BoI for their shared passion for innovation, industrial advancement and enterprise growth.

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    He added that the event is not merely a ceremonial event but a declaration that “we are ready to support the future of work, enterprise, and creativity in tangible, transformative ways.”

    The LCCI-BoI Innovation Hub is, therefore, a direct response to these realities. It empowers youth, small businesses, and startups with the tools, networks, and environment they need to grow, innovate, and scale.

    Idahosa said it has state-of-the-art amenities, including co-working spaces, high-speed broadband, tech labs, creative design studios, and incubation suites.

    He called on government institutions to continue enacting policies that support innovation, through tax incentives, research funding, and regulation that balances risk and opportunity.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the collaboration with LCCI is a testament of the Banks footprint in fintech

    He said the Innovation Hub also reflects a deeper strategic commitment that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda for digital economy and industrial development.

    This, he said, is a key element of BoI’s 2025–2027 corporate strategy to cultivate inclusive ecosystems that promote innovation and entrepreneurship across key sectors such as technology, youth, and manufacturing.

    He said: ‘Beyond infrastructure and strategy, this initiative is a signal of hope and opportunity. It is designed to break down barriers to access capital, mentorship, and skills especially for young Nigerians and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    “We believe it will strengthen digital capabilities, promote partnerships, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global innovation economy.”

    The BoI boss disclosed that the Bank has invested in 18 technology hubs across Nigeria that are fully operational and serve as innovation centres, incubation spaces, and digital capacity-building facilities.

    He said similar to the hub, all centres are equipped with co-working spaces, training labs, high-speed internet, business advisory services, and incubation support.

    Olusi said thousands of young innovators have been trained in these hubs in areas such as digital skills, coding, UI/UX design, data science, and product development, and many of them have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs or freelance professionals.

    He added that these hubs are helping to lay the foundation for youth-driven innovation, digital inclusion, and job creation across the country he stated.

  • BOI to empower artisans for economic growth

    BOI to empower artisans for economic growth

    The Bank of Industry has moved to empower artisans, technicians for future industrial development, describing them as the nation’ s  backbone and future.

    The Managing Director, BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, disclosed this at the Nigerian Artisans Leadership Summit 2025, stating that the bank views Nigeria’s over 12 million artisans as key drivers of grassroots enterprise and national transformation. The summit had as its theme: “Unlocking the Inherent Potential of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians.”

    Olusi, who was represented by the Executive Director, Public Sector and Intervention Programmes, BOI, Ms Mabel Ndagi said the theme goes to the heart of inclusive development, as it aims to spotlight the challenges faced by craftsmen.

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    Besides, she added that it presents an avenue to chart a new course for empowerment and integration into the formal economy, including supporting the country’s vision where talent is not wasted due to lack of support; where enterprise is not stifled by lack of access, and where informal skills are not excluded from formal opportunities.

    “The challenges faced by artisans such as limited access to affordable finance, lack of research and development, outdated equipment, inadequate training, poor business structures, and minimal export participation require urgent and structured intervention, as the  bank is anchoring its 2025–2027 Corporate Strategy on six thematic pillars.

    “These include strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, promoting youth empowerment and skills development, expanding opportunities within the digital economy, advancing climate resilience and sustainability initiatives, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring gender inclusion across all interventions,” Olusi said.