Access Holdings Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth, balance sheet strength, and long-term shareholder value as the Group held its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
Addressing shareholders, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, said the Group’s strategic focus has shifted from building scale to creating lasting value, emphasizing that the true measure of a financial institution lies not only in its ability to grow but also in its capacity to do so profitably, sustainably, and with discipline.
According to him, Access Holdings’ 2025 financial performance reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen the institution’s long-term fundamentals while delivering robust results. The Group reported a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion, driven by the strength of its diversified business model and growing earnings across key markets. Total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits recorded significant growth, underscoring continued customer confidence and franchise expansion.
The Chairman noted that the results were achieved alongside prudent risk management measures. During the year, the Group accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in higher impairment charges. He explained that management intentionally prioritized financial resilience and balance sheet quality over short-term earnings enhancement.
“Periods of uncertainty often reveal the true strength of an institution,” Aig-Imoukhuede said. “Our objective is not simply to grow, but to continuously improve the quality, resilience, and sustainability of our earnings.”
The AGM also highlighted Access Holdings’ transformation into a diversified financial services group with expanding operations beyond traditional banking. While banking remains the core earnings driver, the Group continues to deepen its presence in pensions, insurance, investment management, consumer finance, and digital payments.
Growth platforms such as Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments are increasingly contributing to the Group’s earnings profile, positioning it for greater scalability and long-term value creation.
Reiterating the Group’s strategic direction, Aig-Imoukhuede described the next phase of growth as a transition “From Scale to Value.”
“Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” he said.
He added that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, management remains focused on ensuring earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital, a key factor in delivering sustainable shareholder value. He also pointed to the significant unrealised value within Access Holdings’ international subsidiaries and expressed confidence that the market would increasingly recognize that value over time.
Addressing shareholder concerns over dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividend distributions was driven by regulatory compliance requirements rather than any weakness in the Group’s financial position.
Aig-Imoukhuede assured shareholders that Access Holdings retains strong earnings capacity and remains committed to resuming dividend payments once all relevant regulatory conditions have been met.
“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he said.
The Group also reported progress in strengthening leadership and governance structures. During the year, Innocent C. Ike was appointed Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, while Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Shareholders commended Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director, Business Development, for her leadership of the Group as Acting Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of Mr. Ike.
According to the Chairman, the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, ensuring strategic continuity, operational stability, and sustained stakeholder confidence.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges across its markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its outlook, citing disciplined execution, a diversified business model, strengthened capital position, and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
Closing the meeting, Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to shareholders.
“Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures—one defined by clarity of purpose, disciplined execution, and sustainable value creation over time,” he said.
About Access Holdings Plc
Access Holdings Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, with interests spanning banking, payments, pensions, insurance, consumer finance, and investment management. Through its diversified platform and presence across Africa and key international markets, the Group remains committed to driving innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.
