Access Holdings Plc has reported a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, recording a profit before tax of over N1 trillion, highlighting the strength of its expanding business operations and diversified financial services platform.
The company disclosed at its fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) that profit before tax rose to N1.007 trillion, while total assets increased significantly to N51.56 trillion. Customer deposits also recorded strong growth, reflecting increasing confidence in the institution and continued expansion across its markets.
Speaking during the AGM, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the true measure of a successful financial institution is not simply growth, but the ability to grow sustainably, profitably, and with discipline over time. According to him, the company’s 2025 performance demonstrates its commitment to building a stronger and more resilient institution while maintaining solid financial results.
He explained that despite the impressive earnings, the company deliberately took steps to strengthen its financial position by accelerating the recognition of older financial exposures and exiting certain regulatory forbearance arrangements. This decision led to higher impairment charges during the year but was considered necessary to improve the quality of the balance sheet and secure long-term stability.
According to Aig-Imoukhuede, periods of economic uncertainty often reveal the strength of an institution. He noted that Access Holdings remains focused on improving the quality and sustainability of its earnings rather than prioritising short-term profits.
The AGM also highlighted the group’s ongoing transformation from a traditional banking institution into a broader financial services company. While banking continues to generate the majority of earnings, newer business segments are becoming increasingly important contributors to growth.
Businesses such as Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments are helping the company expand into digital finance, payments, consumer lending, and wealth management. These businesses are expected to diversify revenue sources and support future profitability.
The chairman stated that the company’s new strategy, tagged “From Scale to Value,” represents the next stage of its growth journey. While previous efforts focused on expanding the company’s size and reach, the current objective is to maximise value creation for shareholders and stakeholders.
Addressing concerns about dividend payments, the board explained that the temporary suspension of dividends was due to regulatory compliance requirements affecting the banking subsidiary. Management stressed that the decision was not linked to weak earnings but was part of prudent capital management measures. Shareholders were assured that dividend payments would resume once the necessary regulatory conditions are met.
The company also announced leadership and governance developments aimed at ensuring continuity and stability. 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.
Beyond financial performance, Access Holdings reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and social impact. The group continues to support financial inclusion, small and medium-sized businesses, education, arts, and the creative industry as part of its broader contribution to economic development.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its future outlook, citing its strong capital base, diversified operations, and disciplined execution strategy. The company believes these factors will position it for sustained growth and long-term value creation for shareholders.
