The Development Bank of Nigeria has introduced a $275 million climate finance programme aimed at shielding micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from environmental risks and rising operational costs. The scheme, titled the DBN Enterprise Lending for Transition and Adaptation (DELTA) programme, was launched during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) held in Antalya, Türkiye.
According to Punch, the initiative is designed to tackle financing barriers that stop smaller commercial operations from securing clean technologies and withstanding extreme weather conditions. The funding package includes a $100 million commitment from the Green Climate Fund alongside DBN’s internal funds and other partner contributions. It is projected to benefit roughly 1.3 million individuals and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DBN, Tony Okpanachi, noted that shifting weather patterns, rising energy bills, and fragile supply chains have turned climate issues into an urgent financial risk for local companies. He explained that DELTA will combine direct lending, risk-sharing frameworks, and advisory support to unlock capital. This will enable processors to swap costly diesel generators for solar energy systems and help agricultural firms install effective irrigation.
The bank head observed that since its creation in 2017, DBN has maintained a clear goal of filling the funding gap for underserved Nigerian enterprises. He stated that the new project extends this work into climate resilience, turning environmental challenges into chances for small businesses to cut overhead costs and boost overall output.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Finance, Abubakar Matazu, stated that public funds alone cannot resolve Nigeria's climate shift. He noted that the Federal Government is dedicated to creating policies and institutional systems that pull in private capital and concessionary international support.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Climate Finance at the National Council on Climate Change, Benny Ejiofor, representing the agency’s Director-General, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, stressed that the fund ensures green financing reaches grassroots ventures rather than just large corporations. Ejiofor pointed out that small operators, including farmers adopting climate-smart farming and market women switching to solar appliances, form the backbone of the economy. Alexander Haack of GIZ added that his organisation will supply technical assistance to help businesses and financial institutions build capacity for green lending.
