The Access Holdings AGM 2026 underscored the group’s commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation. During its fourth Annual General Meeting, Access Holdings Plc reaffirmed plans to strengthen its balance sheet and maintain disciplined expansion despite challenges in the operating environment.
Company leaders also stressed the importance of building a resilient institution capable of delivering consistent returns over time.
Chairman Highlights Sustainable Growth Approach
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the true measure of a financial institution goes beyond growth alone. According to him, profitability, discipline and sustainability remain key factors in building lasting value.
He noted that the group’s 2025 performance reflected a deliberate effort to reinforce its long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong earnings.
Access Holdings recorded a profit before tax of ₦1.007 trillion during the year. Total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits expanded significantly. The chairman said the figures demonstrated the strength of the group’s diversified operations and growing customer confidence.
However, he explained that the results should be viewed alongside prudent risk management measures adopted during the period.
Group Prioritises Balance Sheet Strength
Aig-Imoukhuede disclosed that Access Holdings accelerated provisions for legacy exposures and regulatory forbearance credit facilities. As a result, impairment charges increased.
He explained that management deliberately chose to strengthen the balance sheet instead of pursuing short-term earnings gains.
“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.
According to the chairman, the company intends to maintain this disciplined approach as it navigates changing economic conditions.
Non-Banking Businesses Expand Earnings Base
The Annual General Meeting also highlighted the group’s transformation into a broader financial services ecosystem.
While banking remains the primary earnings driver, Access Holdings continues to increase contributions from investment management, insurance, pensions, consumer finance and payments.
Emerging platforms such as Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payments are expanding the group’s reach. These businesses are helping to diversify revenue streams and strengthen long-term scalability.
Looking ahead, Aig-Imoukhuede said the next phase of growth would focus on value creation.
“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 stated.
He added that ensuring earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital remains essential to enhancing shareholder value.
Board Addresses Dividend Concerns
During the meeting, shareholders raised questions about dividend payments. The board explained that the temporary suspension resulted from regulatory requirements rather than weak financial performance.
Aig-Imoukhuede assured investors that the group’s earnings capacity remains strong. He noted that the board’s position reflects sound capital management and compliance with supervisory expectations.
“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that dividend payments would resume once the necessary regulatory conditions are met.
Leadership Transition Strengthens Governance
Access Holdings reported progress in strengthening corporate governance and succession planning.
During the year, Innocent C. Ike assumed office as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The board also appointed Ibironke Adeyemi as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Shareholders commended Bolaji Agbede for successfully leading the management team as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before Ike’s appointment.
According to Aig-Imoukhuede, the transition process ensured continuity and maintained stakeholder confidence.
Group Confident Despite Economic Challenges
Despite macroeconomic pressures across its markets, Access Holdings expressed optimism about its future prospects.
The group said its diversified structure, strong capital base and disciplined execution provide a solid foundation for sustained growth.
Concluding his remarks, Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed the company’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, discipline of execution, and sustainable value creation over time,” he stated.
Access Holdings Plc operates across banking, insurance, pensions, payments, consumer finance and investment management. Through its presence across Africa and international markets, the group aims to deliver innovation and sustainable returns to shareholders.
The Access Holdings AGM 2026 showcased the group’s shift from expansion to long-term value creation. With strong financial performance, a strengthened leadership structure and a diversified business model, Access Holdings remains focused on building a resilient institution capable of delivering sustainable returns for investors and stakeholders.
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