BOI bags global award for sustainable finance

The Bank of Industry, Nigeria’s foremost Development Finance Institution, has been recognised by Global Finance Magazine as the Best Bank in Sustainable Finance (Nigeria) at the 2026 Global Sustainable Finance Awards.

This recognition affirms BOI’s commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of its operations and lending strategy, according to a statement from the bank on Monday.

The award reflects the bank’s significant strides in advancing climate action, circular economy practices, and responsible resource management.

In 2025, the bank became the National Implementing Entity for the Adaptation Fund for a period of five years, launched its Sustainable Finance Framework, embedding sustainability into its lending operations, and introduced the Guaranteed Loans for Women programme.

These initiatives are designed to drive climate resilience, gender inclusion, and responsible finance across Nigeria’s economy.

Reacting to the recognition, the Head, Public Relations, Bank of Industry, Theodora Amechi, said, “This award is a strong validation of the Bank of Industry’s deliberate shift towards financing that delivers not only economic returns but measurable environmental and social impact.

“Our role as the National Implementing Entity for the Adapt ation Fund, alongside the rollout of our Sustainable Finance Framework and GLOW programme, reflects a clear strategy to support businesses that are building resilience, empowering women, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable economy. We remain committed to deepening partnerships and scaling solutions that position Nigeria at the forefront of green and inclusive finance in Africa.”

The Bank of Industry is Nigeria’s leading development finance institution, established in 1959 and reconstituted in 2001 to drive industrial growth and inclusive economic development. The bank provides long-term financing and advisory support to enterprises across key sectors, strengthening local production, value chains, and job creation.

Between 2023 and 2025, BOI supported over one million enterprises and disbursed more than ₦1.27tn to businesses nationwide, helping to expand productive capacity and improve access to finance for underserved segments of the economy.

Through its nationwide footprint and strong international partnerships, BOI continues to play a central role in accelerating sustainable private-sector-led growth and economic diversification in Nigeria.