Access Holdings Reiterates Commitment to Long-Term Growth at 4th AGM

Access Holdings Plc has reiterated its dedication to creating long-term value, maintaining financial resilience, and pursuing disciplined growth. The company assured shareholders that, despite a challenging operating environment, its strategic focus remains on building a stronger and more sustainable institution.

During the Group’s 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised that the true measure of a financial institution is not just its capacity to grow but its ability to do so profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time.

He stated that the Group’s 2025 performance reflects a deliberate strategy to bolster its long-term fundamentals while delivering solid financial results.

Access Holdings announced a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion, driven by its diversified business model and expanding earnings across key markets. Total assets increased to ₦51.56 trillion, with customer deposits experiencing strong growth, reinforcing customer confidence and franchise momentum.

The Chairman also noted that these results should be viewed in light of prudent risk management decisions taken during the year. The Group accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in higher impairment charges—part of a conscious effort to reinforce its balance sheet and enhance 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,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.

The AGM also highlighted the ongoing transformation of Access Holdings beyond traditional banking into a broader financial services ecosystem. While banking remains the primary earnings driver, businesses such as investment management, pensions, insurance, consumer finance, and digital payments are increasingly contributing to overall performance.

Growth platforms including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments continue to expand the Group’s reach across retirement services, consumer lending, and digital finance, strengthening its long-term earnings profile.

Looking forward, Aig-Imoukhuede stated that the Group’s next phase of development is based on its “From Scale to Value” strategy.

“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 explained.

He added that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, its long-term aim is to ensure earnings per share consistently surpass the cost of capital and to unlock the significant unrealised value within its international subsidiaries.

In response to shareholder concerns regarding dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension was due to regulatory compliance requirements rather than any financial weakness.

Aig-Imoukhuede reassured shareholders that the Group’s earnings capacity remains strong and reaffirmed 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 stated.

The AGM also showcased ongoing progress in governance and leadership succession. 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, Executive Director, Business Development, for her leadership during her tenure as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer prior to Mr Ike’s appointment.

The Chairman highlighted that the leadership transition was executed smoothly, ensuring strategic continuity, operational stability, and sustained stakeholder confidence.

Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties across its markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its strategic positioning, citing disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base, and a clear commitment to sustainable value creation.

Reaffirming the Group’s long-term vision, Aig-Imoukhuede said: “Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures, one defined by clarity of purpose, discipline of execution and sustainable value creation over time.”