Access Holdings Affirms Long-term Value Strategy

Access Holdings Plc reaffirmed its strategic transition towards long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience, and disciplined growth, even as it navigates a dynamic and evolving operating environment.

The chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede stated this at the company’s fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos

Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised that the defining test of a financial institution is not merely its capacity for growth, but its ability to grow profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time.

He noted that Access Holdings’ performance in 2025 reflects a deliberate approach to strengthening the institution’s long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong financial performance.

The group delivered a profit before tax of N1.007 trillion, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. Total assets increased to N51.56 trillion, while customer deposits grew strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust.

The chairman, however, stressed that these results must be viewed within the context of the Group’s prudent risk management actions during the year, saying that Access Holdings accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in elevated impairment charges.

He explained that the Group consciously prioritised balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.

“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 stated.

Looking ahead, the chairman reiterated the strategic imperative underpinning the Group’s next phase of growth, saying “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 noted that while the group continues to generate strong returns, ensuring that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital remains central to unlocking sustainable shareholder value.

He also acknowledged the significant unrealised value embedded within the Group’s international subsidiaries and reiterated management’s focus on improving market recognition of that intrinsic value over time.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that the Group’s earnings capacity remains strong and that the Board’s position reflects adherence to supervisory expectations and prudent capital management principles.

He assured shareholders of the Board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments as soon as the relevant regulatory conditions are satisfied.

Access Holdings further highlighted progress in strengthening governance and leadership continuity.

Shareholders expressed appreciation for the outstanding contributions of Bolaji Agbede, executive director, Business Development, who successfully led the management team as acting group chief executive officer prior to the appointment of Ike.

The chairman noted that the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, ensuring continuity of strategy, operational stability, and stakeholder confidence.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to shareholders, stating that “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.”