*Access Holdings Prioritizes Sustainable Growth, Balance Sheet Strength at 4th AGM*

*Access Holdings Prioritizes Sustainable Growth, Balance Sheet Strength at 4th AGM*

 

Access Holdings Plc used its 4th Annual General Meeting in Lagos on June 11, 2026 to reinforce a shift from aggressive expansion to disciplined value creation, telling shareholders that future growth will be measured by earnings quality, risk resilience, and returns above cost of capital.

 

Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the Group’s 2025 performance showed that profitability can coexist with prudence. He explained that while Access Holdings delivered Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion, management also took the deliberate step of accelerating provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance exposures. The move pushed up impairment charges but was designed to clean up the balance sheet and strengthen the institution for future cycles.

 

The Group’s total assets closed the year at ₦51.56 trillion, with customer deposits posting significant growth across retail, corporate, and institutional segments. Aig-Imoukhuede noted that the numbers reflect sustained market confidence and the strength of a diversified model that now spans 20 countries.

 

He stressed that real success in financial services is not about size alone. “Growth is easy in good times. The true test is building an institution that delivers sustainable, disciplined returns through volatility. That is where our energy is focused,” he told shareholders.

 

Beyond its core banking franchise, Access Holdings continues to deepen its financial services ecosystem. Its non-bank subsidiaries are gaining scale and contributing more to group earnings. Access ARM Pensions is expanding retirement coverage, Oxygen X Finance is driving consumer lending, Hydrogen Payments is building out digital infrastructure, and Access Insurance Brokers is extending risk solutions to new customer segments.

 

The Chairman described the next phase of the Group’s journey as “From Scale to Value.” The strategy aims to convert years of geographic and business expansion into higher returns on equity, stronger earnings per share, and better valuation of international subsidiaries that still carry significant unrealized value.

 

On the suspension of dividend payments, the Board clarified that the decision was driven by regulatory compliance requirements and not by any deterioration in financial health. Aig-Imoukhuede assured shareholders that earnings capacity remains strong and reiterated the Board’s intention to resume dividends once all regulatory conditions are met.

 

“Capital we retain today is capital we are putting to work for higher returns tomorrow. Our duty is to ensure every naira builds lasting value for shareholders,” he said.

 

The AGM also marked a new chapter in leadership and governance. Innocent Ike formally assumed office as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, while Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as Independent Non-Executive Director. Shareholders recognized Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director for Business Development, for steering the management team as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer prior to Ike’s appointment.

 

Aig-Imoukhuede said the leadership changes were executed without disruption, preserving strategic focus and stakeholder confidence at a time of transition.

 

Looking ahead, Access Holdings said it remains confident despite macroeconomic headwinds in several markets. The Group cited its diversified income streams, strengthened capital buffers, and disciplined execution as key advantages.

 

“We are building an institution that will outlast cycles,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated. “Our commitment is to clarity of purpose, disciplined execution, and sustainable value that compounds for our shareholders year after year.