Access Holdings Plc has reported a profit before tax of ₦1.01 trillion for the 2025 financial year, marking the first time the group has crossed the ₦1 trillion threshold and signalling a strategic shift from scale-driven expansion to value-focused growth.
The audited results for the year ended December 31, 2025 show a 16.2 per cent increase in profit before tax, as the financial services group delivered what it described as a resilient performance despite a transitional operating environment.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said the results reflect both the strength of the institution and the resilience of its business model.
“Our 2025 performance reflects both the resilience of the Access franchise and the strength of the institution we have built over time. Despite a dynamic operating environment, we delivered strong earnings supported by diversified income streams, disciplined execution, and a continued focus on balance sheet optimisation.”
He added that the group is now entering a new phase focused on efficiency and long-term value creation.
“We have now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with a stronger emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation.”
The group’s earnings were supported by strong growth across key income lines. Net interest income rose to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income increased significantly by 40.9 per cent to ₦585.1 billion, reflecting improved diversification. Overall operating income after impairment grew by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion.
Cost discipline also improved during the period, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024. Returns remained solid, with return on average equity at 18.4 per cent and return on average assets at 1.6 per cent, underscoring the quality of earnings.
Access Holdings’ balance sheet expanded significantly, driven by strong deposit mobilisation and sustained customer confidence. Total assets rose by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits grew by 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds increased by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion.
The group noted that improvements in the macroeconomic environment supported its performance, with Nigeria’s economic growth strengthening to about 3.9 per cent, inflation moderating from 2024 levels, and foreign exchange reserves rising above $45 billion. The Nigerian Exchange also recorded a rally, with the All Share Index gaining over 51 per cent, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
While banking continues to account for about 97 per cent of total revenue, Access Holdings said it is making steady progress in diversifying its income base. Its investment management and insurance subsidiaries, including Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers, contributed stable recurring income, while digital platforms such as Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are expanding its footprint in financial technology.
The group emphasised that its strategic direction is now firmly focused on improving capital efficiency, strengthening earnings quality, and maintaining cost discipline, following years of expansion across markets and segments.
Looking ahead, the company expects further stabilisation in macroeconomic conditions, which it said would create opportunities for credit growth, higher transaction volumes, and increased financial system activity.
Ike said the group remains positioned to play a leading role in Africa’s economic growth.
“Africa remains one of the most compelling long-term growth frontiers globally. Our role is not only to participate in that growth, but to help shape and finance it.”
“At Access Holdings, we have built an institution designed to endure, anchored on strong governance, disciplined execution, and a clear strategic direction. Our focus remains on delivering consistent, high-quality, risk-adjusted returns while building a financial institution that will stand the test of time.”
Boluwatife Enome
