Access Holdings Plc has said its decision to strengthen its balance sheet and accelerate provisions for legacy credit exposures contributed to higher impairment charges in 2025, even as the financial services group posted a profit before tax of N1.007 trillion.
Speaking at the company’s fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the Group deliberately prioritised financial resilience and regulatory compliance over short-term earnings optimisation, positioning the institution for sustainable long-term growth.
According to him, Access Holdings’ financial performance during the year reflected a disciplined approach to risk management and capital preservation in an increasingly complex operating environment.
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He disclosed that the Group accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, a move that resulted in elevated impairment charges but strengthened the balance sheet against future risks.
“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,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.
Despite the increased provisioning, the Group recorded significant growth across key financial indicators. Total assets rose to N51.56 trillion, while customer deposits expanded strongly, reflecting continued customer confidence and the strength of the institution’s franchise across its markets.
The chairman maintained that the Board remains focused on prudent capital management and adherence to regulatory expectations, noting that the Group’s earnings capacity remains robust.
He assured shareholders that dividend payments would resume once all relevant regulatory conditions are met, signalling the Board’s commitment to balancing shareholder returns with long-term financial stability.
Aig-Imoukhuede also highlighted the strategic shift underpinning the company’s next growth phase, describing its “From Scale to Value” agenda as a transition from expansion to maximising shareholder value.
He noted that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, management is focused on ensuring that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital, a key measure of sustainable value creation.
The chairman further pointed to what he described as substantial unrealised value within Access Holdings’ international subsidiaries, saying efforts were underway to improve market recognition of the intrinsic worth of those businesses.
On corporate governance and leadership continuity, he commended the role played by Executive Director, Business Development, Bolaji Agbede, who led the management team as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of a substantive CEO.
According to him, the leadership transition was executed smoothly, preserving operational stability, strategic direction and stakeholder confidence.
Aig-Imoukhuede reiterated the Board’s commitment to building a resilient institution capable of delivering enduring value to shareholders, stressing that the Group’s long-term success would be defined by disciplined execution, sound governance and sustainable profitability.
