Bank of Industry wins Nigeria’s Best Bank in Sustainable Finance at 2026 Global Awards

Michael Olumide

Bank of Industry (BOI) has been recognised as the Best Bank in Sustainable Finance (Nigeria) at the 2026 Global Sustainable Finance Awards, organised by Global Finance Magazine.

The prestigious award underscores BOI’s growing leadership in advancing sustainable finance practices and embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles at the core of its operations and lending strategy.

The recognition highlights the Bank’s impactful contributions toward climate action, promotion of circular economy initiatives, and commitment to responsible resource management across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

A major milestone in BOI’s sustainability journey came in 2025 when it was appointed as Nigeria’s National Implementing Entity for the Adaptation Fund for five-years.

This role positions the Bank at the forefront of mobilising climate finance and supporting projects that enhance resilience to climate change.

In the same year, BOI launched its Sustainable Finance Framework, a strategic blueprint designed to integrate sustainability considerations into all financing decisions.

The Bank also introduced the Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW) initiative, aimed at expanding access to finance for women-owned businesses and promoting gender inclusion in the economy.

These initiatives collectively demonstrate BOI’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting responsible financing practices nationwide.

Speaking on the recognition, stakeholders note that BOI’s sustained investment in green and inclusive financing is helping to reshape Nigeria’s development landscape, particularly by supporting underserved sectors and driving innovation in sustainable enterprise.

Established in 1959 and reconstituted in 2001, BOI remains Nigeria’s leading development finance institution with a mandate to drive industrial growth and economic diversification.

The Bank provides long-term financing and advisory services to enterprises across key sectors, boosting local production, strengthening value chains, and creating jobs.

Between 2023 and 2025, BOI supported over one million enterprises and disbursed more than ₦1.27 trillion to businesses across the country. This intervention has significantly improved access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those previously excluded from formal credit systems.

With its expanding nationwide presence and strong international partnerships, BOI continues to play a pivotal role in accelerating sustainable, private-sector-led growth and advancing Nigeria’s transition toward a more resilient and diversified economy.