Access Holdings Reaffirms Long-Term Value Creation Strategy at 4th AGM, Assures Shareholders of Sustainable Growth
LAGOS, Nigeria – Access Holdings Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term value creation, financial resilience, and sustainable growth, assuring shareholders that the Group remains strategically positioned to deliver stronger returns despite prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the company's 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Chairman of �, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, stated that the true test of a financial institution lies not merely in its growth trajectory but in its ability to grow profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time.
He noted that the Group's 2025 financial performance reflected a deliberate effort to strengthen its long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong operational results.
According to the Chairman, Access Holdings recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦1.007 trillion during the financial year, driven by the strength of its diversified business model and improved earnings across key markets. The Group's total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits also recorded significant growth, further demonstrating customer confidence and the strength of the franchise.
Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the performance should be viewed alongside the Group's prudent risk management measures, including accelerated provisions for legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures. These actions resulted in higher impairment charges but were taken deliberately to strengthen the 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," he said.
The AGM also highlighted Access Holdings' continued evolution beyond traditional banking into a diversified financial services ecosystem. While banking remains the Group's primary revenue driver, non-banking subsidiaries in investment management, pensions, insurance, consumer finance, and digital payments are making increasing contributions to overall earnings.
Key growth platforms, including �, �, �, and �, continue to expand the Group's footprint across retirement services, consumer lending, insurance, and digital finance.
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Looking ahead, the Chairman disclosed that the Group's next phase of growth would be driven by its "From Scale to Value" strategy, designed to maximize returns from existing investments and unlock value across its international operations.
"Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it," Aig-Imoukhuede stated.
He added that the Group's long-term objective is to consistently deliver earnings per share above its cost of capital while unlocking the significant unrealised value embedded within its international subsidiaries.
Responding to shareholders' concerns regarding dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividends was necessitated by regulatory compliance requirements rather than any deterioration in the Group's financial health.
The Chairman assured investors that Access Holdings retains strong earnings capacity and remains committed to resuming dividend payments once the 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 AGM also underscored the Group's commitment to sound corporate governance and leadership continuity. 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 further commended Bolaji Agbede for her leadership of the management team during her tenure as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of the substantive CEO.
Aig-Imoukhuede noted that the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, ensuring operational stability, strategic continuity, and sustained stakeholder confidence.
Despite macroeconomic headwinds across its operating markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its future outlook, citing disciplined execution, a strengthened capital base, diversified earnings streams, and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
Reaffirming the Group's commitment to shareholders, the Chairman said the company remains focused on building a resilient institution capable of delivering lasting value for generations.
"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," he concluded.
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