Access Holdings Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth, financial resilience and long-term value creation, assuring shareholders that its strategic focus remains firmly on strengthening the institution despite prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the company’s 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the true measure of a financial institution lies not only in its ability to grow but in its capacity to do so profitably, sustainably and with discipline over time.
According to him, the Group’s 2025 financial performance reflected a deliberate effort to reinforce its long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong earnings.
Access Holdings reported a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion during the financial year, driven by the strength of its diversified business model and growing earnings across key markets. The Group’s total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits recorded significant growth, further strengthening confidence in the franchise.
Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the results were achieved alongside prudent risk management measures, including accelerated provisions for legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures. He noted that the higher impairment charges recorded during the year were part of a conscious strategy to strengthen the balance sheet and improve long-term resilience.
“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience and sustainability of its earnings,” he said.
The AGM also highlighted the Group’s continued transformation into a diversified financial services holding company. Beyond traditional banking operations, Access Holdings has expanded its footprint across investment management, pensions, insurance, consumer finance and digital payments.
Key subsidiaries and growth platforms, including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payments, are increasingly contributing to the Group’s overall earnings profile.
The Chairman disclosed that the company’s next phase of growth would be driven by its “From Scale to Value” strategy, which seeks to maximise returns from the extensive platform built over the years.
“Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” he stated.
He added that the Group’s long-term objective is to ensure that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital while unlocking the significant value embedded in its international subsidiaries.
Addressing shareholders’ concerns over dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividends was due to regulatory compliance requirements and not a reflection of any weakness in the company’s financial position.
Aig-Imoukhuede assured investors that the Group’s earnings capacity remains strong and reiterated the Board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments once the relevant regulatory conditions are met.
“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he said.
The AGM also witnessed recognition of key leadership transitions within the organisation. During the year, Innocent Ike was appointed Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, while Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Shareholders also commended Bolaji Agbede for her stewardship of the organisation during her tenure as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of Ike.
According to the Chairman, the transition process was executed seamlessly, ensuring strategic continuity, operational stability and sustained stakeholder confidence.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties across its operating markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its future outlook, citing disciplined execution, a diversified earnings base, strengthened capital position and a clear commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders.
Reaffirming the Group’s long-term vision, Aig-Imoukhuede stated that the company’s responsibility remains to justify shareholders’ confidence by building an enduring institution driven by discipline, strategic clarity and sustainable value creation.
