LAPO MfB bags SME award, emerges best microfinance bank of the year

LAPO Microfinance Bank has said it will continue to deepen support for small businesses after emerging as the Best Microfinance Bank Supporting Small Businesses and Microfinance Bank of the Year 2025 at the 6th edition of the Nigeria National SME Business Awards.

The recognition, conferred by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, acknowledges the bank’s contributions to the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.

According to the organisers, the award is in recognition of LAPO Microfinance Bank’s measurable impact in driving financial inclusion, expanding access to finance, and delivering innovative solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses.

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank at the event, Director of Marketing and Communication, Oluremi Akande, described the recognition as a validation of the institution’s strategic focus on empowering entrepreneurs.

He said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses, which are critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. At LAPO Microfinance Bank, we remain focused on providing inclusive financial services that enable entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses.”

Akande added that the bank would continue to strengthen its interventions in the SME space through innovative products, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships.

“We are honoured by this recognition and encouraged to do more. Our goal remains to scale our impact and ensure that more small business owners have access to the financial tools and support they need to succeed,” she stated.

The Nigeria National SME Business Awards is an annual initiative that celebrates organisations that have demonstrated excellence in supporting the SME ecosystem through structured interventions and sustainable business practices.