By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank once again demonstrated its leadership in development finance by playing a key role at the 5th Annual General Assembly of the Association of Nigerian Development Finance Institutions (ANDFI), held July 8 – 9, 2025, in Abuja.
Themed ‘Deepening Developmental Impact and Inclusive Financing,’ the two-day event brought together major stakeholders committed to reshaping Nigeria’s financial landscape through inclusive, innovative, and impact-driven solutions.
Representing Mr. Abba Bello, the Managing Director and Chief Executive (MD/CEO) of NEXIM Bank, was Dr. Tayo Omidiji, Head of Strategy at NEXIM. Dr. Omidiji actively participated in the second panel session of the AGM titled ‘Collaborative Efforts Towards MSMEs Growth and Financial Inclusion.’ His contributions underscored NEXIM’s strategic focus on collaborative financing frameworks aimed at empowering Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – widely regarded as the engine room of national economic transformation.
“NEXIM’s participation in ANDFI is not just ceremonial,” Dr. Omidiji stated. “It reflects our deliberate commitment to long-term partnerships that deepen access to finance for underserved sectors and foster sustainable economic development across regions.”
NEXIM’s robust engagement at the AGM aligns with its mandate to facilitate export-oriented businesses, unlock regional trade potential, and accelerate job creation through targeted financing. The bank’s presence alongside other powerhouse institutions in the Nigerian development finance ecosystem – including the Bank of Industry (BOI), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Federal Mortgage Bank, Infracredit, NIRSAL, and others – signaled growing momentum for public-private coordination in addressing financing gaps.
In his remarks, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of BOI and Chairman of ANDFI, emphasized that “this year’s theme sets the tone for today’s conference sessions focused on driving sustainable growth and financial inclusion,” echoing sentiments shared by many participants.
For NEXIM Bank, the Assembly was not only a platform for dialogue but a launchpad for future-oriented action. As Nigeria seeks to deepen its developmental footprint through finance, the Bank’s active participation in ANDFI continues to spotlight its role as a catalyst for inclusive prosperity — driving innovations that bridge financing gaps, especially for export-driven MSMEs and underserved regions.
In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, such engagements provide critical opportunities for synergy, knowledge-sharing, and alignment of national and subnational efforts. NEXIM Bank’s contributions at the AGM, both on policy and strategy levels, reinforce its growing influence in shaping a more inclusive and resilient Nigerian economy.
The welcome dinner on July 8th set a warm tone for the event, gathering dignitaries such as Dr. Olusi; Mr. Tony Okpanachi of DBN, and Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, GMD of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) and Vice President (North Central) of ANDFI.
Dr. Asemakaha, who serves as the Vice President (North Central) on the ANDFI Executive Committee, joined other key players in steering conversations on national development through finance.
Amongst others, members of ANDFI include Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit); Ibile Holdings Limited (Investment arm of the Lagos State Government); Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC); The Infrastructure Bank Plc (formerly Urban Development Bank of Nigeria); African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL); Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN); Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) ; New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC); and Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NMRC).
