Access Bank Plc has formally appointed Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime by as Chairman of its Board of Directors, following the retirement of Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who stepped down on January 29, 2026, after completing his regulatory tenure. “Access Bank appoints Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman,” the corporate filing from Access Holdings Plc, dated February 2, 2026, confirmed.
This leadership change is part of Access Bank’s ongoing strategy to strengthen governance, align with regulatory expectations, and pursue long-term strategic priorities. As a key subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, the Bank has consistently focused on consolidating its leadership team to enhance corporate efficiency and shareholder value.
The Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, lauded Mrs. Osime’s experience and integrity. “Mrs. Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values,” he said. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede expressed confidence in her capacity to advance the Bank’s strategic objectives, noting that her leadership would continue to deliver sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders. He also commended Mr. Usoro for his “exemplary leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the Group,” adding that he would remain “a valued member of the Access family.”
Mrs. Osime’s appointment represents a milestone in the Bank’s leadership succession plan. She brings decades of experience in law, corporate governance, and board leadership. She joined Access Bank’s Board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, previously chairing both the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Her career spans board roles at Coronation Insurance Plc, Coronation Life Insurance Ltd, and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), as well as senior positions at McPherson Legal Practitioners, NSIA Insurance, and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.
The appointment underscores Access Bank’s commitment to strengthening its governance framework while expanding its footprint across Africa and into global markets. By elevating a leader with deep legal and corporate expertise, the Bank positions itself to navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and maintain investor confidence.
This development follows a series of leadership changes across Access Holdings in recent years. Mr. Innocent Ike became the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings on August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval. His appointment came after the resignation of Roosevelt Ogbonna from the board in response to new corporate governance rules. Meanwhile, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede returned as Group Chairman in 2024 after the death of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe. These strategic appointments signal a renewed governance and leadership structure aimed at reinforcing the Bank’s operational efficiency and corporate accountability.
Analysts view Mrs. Osime’s elevation as a strategic move that aligns with global best practices in corporate governance. By appointing a chairman with extensive legal and board experience, Access Bank not only secures regulatory compliance but also strengthens its capacity for strategic decision-making. The Bank’s focus on leadership succession and governance continuity is expected to enhance its competitive position in both domestic and international markets.
Mrs. Osime’s leadership comes at a critical time for Nigerian banking, where regulatory oversight, shareholder expectations, and market expansion require a balance of expertise and vision. Her proven track record in governance, coupled with her understanding of Access Bank’s strategic goals, makes her well-suited to guide the Bank through its next phase of growth.
As Access Bank continues to expand across Africa, the appointment of Mrs. Osime represents both stability and forward-looking leadership. Investors and stakeholders are closely monitoring how this transition will influence the Bank’s strategic initiatives and performance, particularly as it pursues growth and innovation in a competitive financial landscape.
