LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB), a premium financial institution has reinforced its dominance in Nigeria’s development finance space, clinching three major awards at the 6th Service Ambassador Dinner and Awards Ceremony organised by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).
At the high-level event, designed to strengthen collaboration with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) and amplify collective efforts toward expanding access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), LAPO MfB emerged as Microfinance Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria, Microfinance Bank with the Highest Impact on Women MSMEs and PFI with the Highest Impact in the South-South Zone which further highlighted regional contributions to inclusive economic development.
The triple recognition underscores the Bank’s sustained leadership in driving financial inclusion, particularly among underserved populations, women entrepreneurs, and first-time borrowers who form a critical segment of Nigeria’s economic growth engine.
The DBN noted that the awards ceremony continues to serve as a platform to recognise institutions delivering measurable development impact while deepening partnerships that enable MSMEs to thrive nationwide.
Cumulatively, DBN disclosed that it has disbursed over ₦1.42 trillion through its partner financial institutions, reaching more than 1,001,808 MSMEs across the length and breadth of Nigeria — a milestone that highlights the scale of impact achieved through strategic collaboration.
Reacting to the recognition, LAPO MfB management described the awards as a validation of its mission-driven approach to inclusive finance.
“These recognitions reinforce our unwavering commitment to empowering MSMEs as drivers of economic growth, while intentionally supporting women entrepreneurs and first-time borrowers who are often excluded from traditional financial systems. We remain focused on expanding access to finance and unlocking opportunities for millions of Nigerians,” the Bank stated.
Other institutions were also recognised for their contributions to MSME development. Stanbic IBTC Bank received the award for PFI with the Highest Disbursement to the Livestock Value Chain, while Fidelity Bank Plc emerged as the Deposit Money Bank with the Highest Impact on MSMEs Accessing Credit for the First Time.
Alert Microfinance Bank was also recognised for its impact on first-time MSME borrowers, while Babban Gona received the award for Institution with the Most Outstanding Impact on the Bottom of the Pyramid, reflecting its transformative work among smallholder farmers.
LAPO MfB’s triple win at the 2026 edition cements its position as a leading pro-poor financial institution, advancing gender inclusion, expanding credit access, and driving sustainable development across Nigeria.
With a nationwide footprint and a strong legacy of impact, the Bank continues to leverage innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships to improve livelihoods and deepen financial inclusion across underserved communities.
