—
Access Bank was issued a banking licence
Access Bank was incorporated as a privately owned commercial bank
Access Bank commenced operations at its Burma Road, Apapa Head Office
Access Bank became a Public Limited Liability Company
Access Bank was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange
Access Bank obtained a Universal Banking License from the CBN
In March 2002, the Board of Directors appointed Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Herbert Wigwe as Deputy Managing Director. The mandate was clear: Reposition the bank as one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions within a five year period (March 2002 to March 2007).
Won risk management award by Conrad Clark Nigeria in collaboration with Business Day and the UK Institute of Risk Management
Designated ‘A Significant Important Financial Institution’ by the Nigerian Central Bank
Launched lending programme for Ghanaian companies, backed by the European Investment Bank
2nd Access Conference attended by founders of Facebook, Apple and Air Asia, along with other global leaders in technology and innovation
Launched PayWithCapture mobile payment solution
Received the Global Banking Alliance for Women Market Champion Award
Inaugurated the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon
Named as Best Sustainable Bank 2016 by World Finance
Made an extra donation To UNICEF UK for its campaign against HIV/AIDS among Nigerian children.
Hosted the 2016 Innovation Challenge to bring together Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs to tackle challenges in agriculture, transportation, security and power
Launched new Mobile Banking Platform for Airtel Subscribers in partnership with Airtel Nigeria
Launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Essay Competition, in conjunction with Junior Achievement Nigeria, to tackle youth unemployment
Launched its five year strategy “Africa’s Gateway to the World” at Nigerian Stock Exchange
Bagged fourteen sustainability awards including the Karlsruhe Sustainability Award for the second consecutive year and all four sustainability categories at the CBN Sustainability Awards.
Unveiled a new ‘Family Savings Scheme’ in line with the Bank’s commitment to promote savings culture among the Nigerian population.
Constructed Hostel for visually impaired persons.
Announced its intention to merge with Diamond Bank
Presented the inaugural Born in Africa Festival ” to celebrate African art, film, design and music
Collaborated with 25 global banks to develop the Principles for Sustainable Banking and align the sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Launched Access WhatsApp Banking
Completed the merger of Diamond Bank in March 2019
Listed Africa’s first fully certified corporate Green Bond on the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange and the Nigerian Stock Exchange
Launched an updated and refreshed brand which fused together the best of Diamond Bank and Access Bank
The International Trade Centre and Access Bank's African subsidiaries have partnered on a program to support financing and market access for small and medium-sized businesses in 14 countries. The program is set to begin with a pilot in Ghana.
Access Bank Plc fully redeemed its US$500 million senior unsecured Eurobond, which matured on September 21, 2026. Issued in September 2021 with a 6.125% coupon, the bond was serviced with all coupon payments made and principal repaid in full at maturity. Redemption was funded from foreign-currency liquidity.
Access Bank Plc announced that Ifedayo Olaniyi Orimoloye was appointed Executive Director for Risk Management effective September 21, 2026. He has more than 25 years of experience at financial institutions in Africa, Europe, and the United States, with expertise in risk management and regulatory compliance.
Access Holdings Plc denied false social media posts claiming that Access Bank Plc would cease operations and confirmed that the bank continues to operate normally.
Access Bank Plc won 16 awards at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, the most honours ever received by an African financial institution. The awards recognize the bank's innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused strategy across areas including customer experience, sustainable finance, SME banking, and digital banking.
The International Finance Corporation and Access Bank Plc signed a framework agreement to expand local-currency financing for African businesses by approximately US$500 million. Signed in Kigali, Rwanda, the agreement aims to strengthen African economies and improve financial stability.
Access Bank Plc announced that Mrs. Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, will retire effective April 30, 2026. She joined the bank in 2019 and was appointed Deputy Managing Director in 2022.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, and remains one of Africa’s leading road races. The event exemplifies the impact of sustained collaboration, unified objectives, and civic engagement in advancing the interests of the city and its residents. Over the years, participation has grown, organisational standards have strengthened, and the race has earned increasing international credibility.
Green Africa, a Lagos-based value airline, announced the acquisition of its second owned aircraft, an ATR 72-600 (serial 1064, registration 5N-GAC). The new plane will boost capacity on existing routes across Nigeria and is expected to enter service shortly after regulatory approvals. Access Bank provided a naira debt facility to partially fund this strategic fleet expansion.
Green Africa acquired its second aircraft to increase capacity on existing routes. The acquisition was financed through a naira debt facility from Access Bank.