When Dr Tony Okpanachi assumed leadership of the Development Bank of Nigeria in 2017, the institution existed more in vision than in impact. At that time, DBN faced skepticism. Many questioned whether another development finance institution could truly make a difference. Eight years later, those doubts have faded. In their place stands a results-driven bank reshaping access to finance for Nigeria’s small businesses.
From the outset, Dr Okpanachi brought clarity of purpose. He understood Nigeria’s growth challenge. Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of the economy. Yet, they struggled to access affordable credit. Therefore, DBN focused squarely on this gap. The bank chose impact over spectacle. It chose structure over shortcuts.
Under Okpanachi leadership, Development Bank of Nigeria adopted a wholesale lending model. Rather than compete with commercial banks, it partnered with them. This decision proved strategic. By working through participating financial institutions, DBN expanded its reach nationwide. Consequently, businesses in underserved regions gained access to long-term financing.
More importantly, Development Bank of Nigeria prioritised sustainability. The bank did not merely disburse funds. It strengthened systems. It built capacity within partner banks. Through training and risk-sharing mechanisms, DBN improved how lenders serve MSMEs. As a result, credit became both accessible and responsible.
Transparency also defined Dr Okpanachi’s tenure in. Governance frameworks remained strong. Risk management stayed disciplined. These principles earned DBN the trust of international partners. Development finance institutions and donors responded positively. Their support expanded DBN’s lending capacity. This confidence did not happen by chance. It reflected consistent leadership.
Furthermore, DBN placed inclusion at the centre of its mission. Women-owned businesses received focused attention. Youth-led enterprises gained tailored support. Through deliberate programmes, the bank addressed structural barriers. Consequently, finance reached groups often excluded from formal banking.
During economic shocks, DBN stepped up. The COVID-19 pandemic tested Nigeria’s economy. Many businesses faced collapse. At that critical moment, DBN deployed intervention funds swiftly. It supported liquidity. It preserved jobs. That response reinforced the bank’s relevance.
Beyond numbers, DBN changed mindsets. It demonstrated that development finance can balance prudence with compassion. Profit did not disappear. However, purpose led decisions. This balance strengthened credibility.
Dr Okpanachi also invested in people. He built a professional team aligned with the bank’s mission. Internal culture emphasised accountability. Performance mattered. Integrity mattered more. Such values ensured continuity and resilience.
Today, DBN stands as a quiet success story. It rarely dominates headlines. Yet, its impact resonates across markets, workshops, and farms. Thousands of businesses now operate with confidence. Many expanded operations. Others created jobs. These outcomes trace back to access to finance.
As Nigeria seeks inclusive growth, DBN offers a proven model. It shows that institutions matter. Leadership matters even more. Dr Tony Okpanachi’s legacy lies not in noise but in structure. Not in rhetoric but in results.
In the end, DBN’s journey affirms a simple truth. When leadership aligns vision with execution, institutions transform nations. Under Dr Okpanachi, DBN did just that.
