BAFI: LAPO MFB wins Microfinance Bank of the year for the 14th consecutive time

L-R: Emmanuel Uka, Head of Marketing, LAPO Microfinance Bank; Frank Aigbogun, Publisher, BusinessDay; Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Communications, LAPO Microfinance Bank; and Patrick Akinwuntan, former Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, at the presentation of the Microfinance Bank of the Year Award to LAPO Microfinance Bank at the 2026 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards in Lagos.

LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) has won the Microfinance Bank of the Year award at the 2026 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, marking the 14th consecutive time the institution has received the honour.

The award, presented in Lagos, recognises the bank’s contribution to financial inclusion, enterprise development and the provision of accessible financial services to individuals and businesses across Nigeria.

The latest recognition reinforces LAPO MfB’s position in the microfinance sector, where it continues to support low-income households, women entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through savings, credit and other financial solutions.

Operating across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, LAPO MfB has maintained a strong focus on extending financial services to underserved communities while expanding access through digital channels and other customer-focused initiatives.

According to the Director of Marketing and Communications, LAPO Microfinance Bank, Oluremi Akande, the institution’s approach combines financial inclusion with enterprise support and sustainability initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening small businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth.

“This 14th consecutive win highlights the importance of customer confidence, service delivery and institutional consistency in sustaining growth within Nigeria’s financial services industry, he noted.

Akande also stated, “ this recognition comes with a responsibility to build on our achievements, deepen customer relationships and continue to respond to the changing financial needs of individuals, entrepreneurs and communities”.

With its vision of becoming the first-choice financial institution committed to improving lives, LAPO MfB remains focused on providing value-driven and accessible financial services through innovation.

The BAFI Awards are organised by BusinessDay to recognise outstanding performance and contributions across Nigeria’s banking and financial services industry.