The Digest:
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has challenged the Development Bank of Nigeria to publish the list of beneficiaries of its claimed N1 trillion disbursement to micro, small, and medium enterprises since 2015. The Labour Party stalwart expressed skepticism, stating that most business owners he encountered were unaware of the bank’s existence, and demanded transparency regarding the funds’ impact.
Key Points:
- Peter Obi questioned DBN’s claim of disbursing over N1 trillion to MSMEs since 2015.
- He stated most small business owners are unaware of the bank’s existence or support.
- Obi argued that $1 billion in small loans should have supported 1 million businesses.
- He called for publication of beneficiary lists, enterprises supported, and jobs created.
- The DBN had reported that 62% of the disbursements benefited women entrepreneurs.
- Obi described the claim as potential “grand deception” without visible economic impact.
- He emphasized that empowerment must be proven through measurable outcomes.
Sources: The Cable, Peter Obi’s X Account
