Introduction

The Bank of Industry (BOI) recently hosted its third Annual Public Lecture in Abuja, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and development experts to examine how capital can be better deployed for inclusive growth.

What Happened

Held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the lecture featured opening remarks from BOI Managing Director Dr Olasupo Olusi, who disclosed that the disbursed ₦645 billion in 2025, supported over 12,000 businesses, and impacted 1.68 million jobs. A guest lecture by Dr Asad Alam, former World Bank director and Georgetown University adjunct professor, emphasized productivity, education, skills, innovation, and strong institutions as essential foundations for sustained growth. Panel discussions included representatives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, InfraCredit, the Policy Innovation Centre, and Flour Mills of Nigeria, who shared perspectives on access to finance, rural development, and manufacturing support.

Why This Matters

The discussions underscored that capital efficiency is critical for broadening economic opportunity beyond traditional beneficiaries. With the launch of the MyBOI Portal scheduled for October 2, 2026, stakeholders gain a digital gateway to apply for and track BOI facilities, potentially expanding reach for underserved enterprises. Experts also highlighted the need for policy-backed investment in power, logistics, and infrastructure to sustain industrial momentum.

Key Takeaways

  • BOI disbursed ₦645 billion in 2025, supporting over 12,000 businesses and 1.68 million jobs.
  • The lecture theme Rethinking Capital for Inclusive Economic Transformation set the tone for future financing strategies.
  • Dr Asad Alam stressed that productivity, skills, and institutions are as important as capital volume.
  • Panelists called for widened access to affordable financing for manufacturers and rural enterprises.
  • The upcoming MyBOI Portal aims to simplify financing access and improve transparency for applicants.

Conclusion

BOI's 2026 Annual Public Lecture reinforced the idea that strategic, inclusive capital deployment is essential for Nigeria's industrial future. By combining long-term finance with digital access through the MyBOI Portal and policy-driven investment in key sectors, the Bank aims to deepen economic participation and sustain growth across all segments of society.