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Tag: Access Bank

  • Green Africa, Access Bank partner on aircraft acquisition

    Green Africa, Access Bank partner on aircraft acquisition

    Green Africa Airways has unveiled the acquisition of its second owned aircraft packaged with asset financing partnership with Access Bank

    The incoming aircraft, an ATR 72-600 with manufacturer’s serial number 1064 and registration mark 5N-GAC, according a statement by the carrier will help it increase capacity on its existing routes across the country.

    The aircraft, the airline said is expected to enter into service shortly after customary regulatory approvals.

    The statement reads:” As with the carrier’s first aircraft acquisition, Access Bank, one of the largest financial institutions on the continent, provided the naira debt facility to partly fund this strategic fleet expansion.”

    Founder & CEO of Green Africa, Babawande Afolabi, said: “We are delighted to welcome our second owned aircraft (5N-GAC) to the fleet.

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    The addition of 5N-GAC will help strengthen a sustainable foundation for Green Africa to grow and deliver on its promise to provide safe, reliable, and affordable air travel to a broader group of customers in the country and across the continent at scale.”

    Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, said: “At Access Bank, we are committed to empowering businesses that drive economic progress and create long-term value for society. Our partnership with Green Africa reflects our confidence in visionary enterprises that are transforming critical sectors of the economy. Following the strong performance of Green Africa’s first aircraft acquisition, we are proud to extend our support for this second aircraft, which will further enhance capacity and accelerate growth. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide innovative financial solutions that enable businesses to scale, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.”

  • Bank donates solar-powered borehole

    Bank donates solar-powered borehole

    The Retail Operations Group of Access Bank has donated a solar-powered borehole to Umuokpo community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The inauguration of the borehole attracted dignitaries and prominent members of the community.

    Among them were the traditional ruler of Umuokpo autonomous community, Eze Eunan Ekeh (the Okpo 1 of Umuokpo community), the president-general of the community, as well as the councillor, Chief Chinemerem Nkwocha.

    Others included the Executive Vice Chairman of Owerri West Council, Osinachi Amako and his entourage, Chief Clement Asoluka, Access Bank workers, among other personalities.

    The Regional Director of Access Bank, Mr Charles Oguibe, said the borehole donation by workers of Access Bank to Umuokpo community was the first of its kind in Imo State.

    He said the project was aimed at providing the community with access to potable water.

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    The Zonal Head of Access Bank, Onyemauche Okere, said Umuokpo community should be grateful because it was randomly selected without any external influence.

    He urged residents to prioritise security of the facility.

    Eze Ekeh expressed gratitude to Access Bank for the project, noting that the community would safeguard it against vandalism.

    An indigene of the community, Chief Smart Unegbu, donated a new generator to the community to power the solar borehole, which he noted “is a high breed, as it can be powered by solar (sun) and electricity.”

    Residents hailed the management of the bank, describing the gesture as a new year gift.

  • Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Organisers announce bib, cut-off ,  medal policy

    Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026 have released the official race schedule alongside detailed cut-off and medal eligibility guidelines, providing clarity for the thousands of runners preparing for Africa’s biggest road.

    The announcement forms part of the final phase of preparations for the event and underscores the organisers’ commitment to transparency, fairness and adherence to international marathon standards.

    According to the official schedule, the 42-kilometre marathon will commence at 6:30 a.m. and officially close at 12:00 p.m., giving participants a total race window of six hours. The 10-kilometre race will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will also close at 12:00 p.m.

    Organisers explained that while all registered runners are permitted to compete at their own pace within the official race window, the stipulated cut-off time applies strictly to medal qualification and not to participation in the event.

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    In line with the marathon’s integrity policy, only runners who complete the full race on or before the official cut-off time will be awarded an Access Bank Lagos City Marathon finisher’s medal.

    Runners who are picked up by the official sweeper bus will be deemed not to have completed the race. Their bib numbers will be marked and such marked bibs will not be eligible for medals. Organisers added that bibs will also be marked at the finish line after medal collection to ensure strict enforcement of the policy.

    Any runner whose bib is marked will not receive a medal, while participants who cross the finish line after the official cut-off time will be issued a certificate of participation only.

    Despite the firm guidelines, organisers stressed that the marathon remains a celebration of endurance and determination, acknowledging and applauding every runner who takes on the challenge, regardless of finishing time.

  • New Route  earmarked for 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    New Route  earmarked for 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) is set to enter an exciting new era as organisers unveil a brand-new race route for the landmark 11th edition, scheduled for Saturday, February 14.

    In a first for Africa’s biggest road race, the 42km marathon will now start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, sweep through sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, and climax at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, showcasing Lagos as the beating heart of road racing in Africa.

    The strategic route change signals the dawn of a new decade for the marathon, prioritising a smoother athlete experience, modern infrastructure, and a refreshed race story that puts Lagos firmly on the world stage as a fast-rising global city.

    After ten editions on a familiar course that has become woven into Nigeria’s sporting culture, organisers say the refreshed route honours the marathon’s rich legacy while injecting fresh energy, curiosity, and spectacle for runners, fans, and international audiences alike. The inclusion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road also offers a stunning showcase of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects through a World Athletics Gold Label race watched across the globe.

    “The 11th  edition is not just another race; it represents evolution,” said Mrs Yetunde Olopade, the MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, owners of ABLCM. “The new route allows us to reimagine the marathon experience while staying true to our values of excellence, safety, and world-class delivery.”

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    A World Athletics Gold Label event, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon continues to draw elite athletes from around the world, alongside thousands of recreational runners, while commanding extensive local and international media attention.

    Beyond competition, the race remains a powerful platform for sports tourism, urban storytelling, youth engagement, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

    While the headline-grabbing 42km route has been refreshed for the 11th  edition, the 10km race will retain its familiar course, ensuring continuity for participants in that category.

    Additional information, including route maps, athlete updates, and race-day logistics, will be released via official Access Bank Lagos City Marathon channels.

  • Alleged $1b debt claim: First Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank MDs risk imprisonment over disobedience of court order

    Alleged $1b debt claim: First Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank MDs risk imprisonment over disobedience of court order

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued stern warnings to three major financial institutions, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Access Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc, placing their Managing Directors on notice that they could face imprisonment for allegedly disobeying a subsisting court order.

    The warnings were contained in a series of Form 48 Notices of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order, issued in relation to an interim directive made on November 6, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2369/2025.

    The suit concerns a high-stake dispute involving onshore oil asset and the FSO Ugo Ocha, linked to interests in the OML 42 Joint Venture, in which the Federal Government owns a 55 per cent share.

    Form 48 notices dated November 13, 2025, were served on the Managing Director of First Bank at both the bank’s Marina Head Office in Lagos and its Abuja main branch on Muhammadu Buhari Way.

    In the notices, the court reminded the banks that it had issued a clear directive requiring all parties to maintain the status quo, warning that any deviation could amount to contempt of court.

    The warning stated: “Unless you stop further disobedience and comply with the direction contained in the order… you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

    A copy of the original order was attached to reinforce the seriousness of the directive.

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    The order read: “The ex-parte application for Interim Injunction is hereby refused.

    “The Court hereby directs all parties to maintain the status quo as at today, the 6th day of November 2025.

    “Parties are ordered not to deal with the subject matter of the litigation pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

    “The Motion on Notice shall be served on the Defendants/Respondents before the next adjourned date.”

    The suit was instituted by Neconde Energy Limited, White Dove Shipping Company Limited, and others against First Bank, Access Bank, and five other defendants.

    The issuance of Form 48 marked the first stage of contempt proceedings.

    The notices, served between November 7 and 13, 2025, warned that any actions taken contrary to the court’s instruction to preserve the status quo would constitute contempt.

    The court has fixed the hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction for December 4, 2025, and has cautioned that any breach of its directive before that date will attract serious legal consequences.

    • See court papers on pages I – III
  • Access Bank tackles SMEs failure with new academy

    Access Bank tackles SMEs failure with new academy

    Access  Bank  has  launched  the  SME  Academy,  a  new  initiative  designed  to  tackle Nigeria’s high rate of small business failures by equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills, knowledge, and resources for sustainable growth.

    The programme was unveiled in Lagos, reinforcing the bank’s long-term commitment to strengthening the SME sector, a major driver of Nigeria’s economic development.

    Speaking   at   the   launch,   Head   of   Retail   Banking,  Access Bank, Olumide   Olatunji,   noted   that   the academy’s introduction in Nigeria follows the successful rollout of a similar programme in Ghana, which led to measurable improvements in SME performance.

    “Given the opportunities within Nigeria’s population and the central role SMEs play in sustaining the economy, it became necessary to bring this initiative home,” Olatunji said.

    Group  Head,   SME  Banking,  Access Bank,  Abiodun Olubitan,   explained that   the  inaugural   edition targets  80   established   business owners   and   is structured  as   a   three-day  intensive training. 

    According to her, the   programme   focuses   on   strengthening   business   structures,   improving financial readiness, and boosting survival rates in a sector where many firms fail within five years.

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    She said: “SMEs contribute over 80 percent to GDP globally, so supporting them is essential. Our research shows that inadequate capital and weak capacity are major reasons businesses collapse. The academy addresses these gaps by providing practical tools entrepreneurs can immediately apply”.

    She added that although the programme does not include grant funding, Access Bank would offer financing opportunities to participants who demonstrate strong business capacity and bankability after the training.

    “Funding is important, but we want to support entrepreneurs who have the capacity to manage it responsibly. The academy helps us build that confidence,” Olubitan said.

    She  also  noted  that  the  SME  Academy would  run  multiple  times  annually, eventually becoming a pipeline for continuous mentorship and engagement.

  • Gains of Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament

    Gains of Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament

    The Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament has yet again underlined the fact that polo is more than just a sport but a powerful vehicle for social impact.

    Since inception, the tournament has harnessed the glamour of polo to drive long-term investments in the education and wellbeing of vulnerable children in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State.

    One of the most remarkable achievements of this initiative is the completion of a 60-classroom fully equipped school complex in Maraban Jos, Kaduna. With the unveiling of new uniforms and shoes for students—and plans underway to build an additional 100 classrooms.

    Access Bank and its partners have made significant strides in transforming access to education for underserved communities. Today, enrolment in the school has surpassed 20,000 students, a powerful testament to the tournament’s impact.

    The initiative has also expanded to include sustainable rural development projects such as clean water facilities and cooperative societies for local farmers and artisans—further cementing the partnership’s relevance beyond the polo field. These efforts continue to receive commendation from stakeholders and beneficiaries alike, with the 2025 edition of the tournament marking yet another milestone in this remarkable journey.

    Launched in 2003, the Charity Shield initially supported local charities before evolving in 2006 to focus solely on UNICEF’s interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Kaduna. A game-changing moment came in 2008 when Access Bank committed to a multi-year sponsorship, setting a new benchmark for corporate-led philanthropy in Nigeria.

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    According to Access Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, FCA, CFA, the initiative aligns with the Bank’s broader mission to improve educational access for disadvantaged children across Africa.

     “Nigeria faces a profound challenge—over 10.5 million children are out of school, with a significant portion in the North. This stark reality demands urgent action. Through initiatives like this, we aim to turn despair into hope and give every child the chance to dream and thrive.”

    The far-reaching benefits of this partnership extend across six communities in three local government areas in Kaduna, bringing water, electricity, and job opportunities to thousands of people. These investments reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

    The 2025 edition of the Charity Shield also received praise from dignitaries such as Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who hailed the Bank’s long-term support for UNICEF as a strategic force for poverty alleviation and youth empowerment.

     “Access Bank and its partners have taken up the mantle of supporting vulnerable children and rural development. We urge more public and private institutions to follow this example,” she remarked.

    Beyond its sponsorship, Access Bank also donates ₦10 million annually to UNICEF as part of the tournament proceeds, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable social change.

    This year’s event concluded with thrilling victories from Clearwater, Access Bank, and Katsina Max Air teams at the prestigious Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort.

    Attended by dignitaries, sports lovers, and philanthropists, the tournament also welcomed special guest Ahmadou Gallo Fall, Senegalese NBA legend, who applauded the Bank’s support for school basketball and martial arts initiatives.

    The 2025 Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield was not just a celebration of sport—it was a reaffirmation of how corporate social responsibility, when paired with purposeful action, can change lives and build brighter futures.

  • How we are championing sustainability, by Access Bank

    How we are championing sustainability, by Access Bank

    Access Bank Plc has embedded climate risk considerations across its governance structure, operations, and financial decision-making processes.

    Executive Director, Risk Management, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Greg Jobome, said that climate change is a standing agenda item at both board and executive management levels of the bank, with dedicated policies and systems in place to monitor and manage its impact.

    Jobome spoke at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

    He provided a comprehensive overview of how Access Bank has implemented several trailblazing initiatives as a leader in sustainability.

    According to him, the bank has implemented a range of climate-focused initiatives including the measurement and reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions as well as adoption of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) model for financed emissions.

    Other initiatives included application of global reporting frameworks such as Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the recently launched International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) S1 and S2 standards.

    He outlined that Access Bank has installed over 974 solar-powered ATMs, reduced paper usage by more than 72% through process automation, and achieved a 50 per cent reduction in landfill waste at its headquarters through comprehensive recycling initiatives.

    He noted that the bank’s Sustainable Finance Accelerator programme has supported numerous businesses in the climate space, providing funding, capacity building, and technical assistance. The bank has also reached over 63 million lives through social investments.

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    Jobome said that climate considerations are usually integrated into credit approvals, capital expenditure planning, and the development of green financial products, such as Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and mini-grid solutions targeted at supporting energy transition and low-carbon growth.

    He pointed out that Access Bank has also issued green and sustainability bonds and was the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative.

    He said: “Over the years, the bank has received several recognitions including the World Finance Award for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria  for 12 consecutive times, Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG (Ghana), and the IFC’s Best Trade Partner in West Africa.

    “Access Bank’s climate risk journey reflects a long-standing commitment to building a sustainable institution. We recognised early that climate risk is financial risk. We did not wait for regulation; instead, we acted proactively. That decision has made our institution more resilient and positioned us to unlock new growth opportunities”.

    Jobome was invited to speak because Access Bank’s journey in building a sustainable organisation and leading the Nigerian corporate landscape has been truly inspiring. The bank’s proactive stance, deep expertise, and results-driven implementation have made it a model for other financial institutions in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria Chapter was formally launched by LBS as part of the World Economic Forum’s global network to promote climate-conscious decision-making in corporate boardrooms. The event brought together board members, C-suite executives, regulators, and sustainability experts to strengthen climate governance and drive corporate responsibility in addressing climate change.

  • Court slams N7m on Access Bank for freezing account illegally

    Court slams N7m on Access Bank for freezing account illegally

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N7 million in damages against Access Bank Plc for breaching the fundamental human rights of a customer, Mrs. Oluwasesan Ifeoluwa Bridget.

    In a judgment delivered yesterday, Justice Ayokunle Faji found that the bank acted unlawfully by placing a Post No Debit (PND) restriction on Bridget’s account without a valid court order.

    According to the court, Access Bank failed to dispute the applicant’s claim that the PND was placed on her account on July 1, 2023, two weeks before the purported court order dated July 16, 2023, was allegedly obtained from a Magistrate Court in Masaka, Nasarawa State.

    Justice Faji held that the prolonged restriction without judicial backing amounted to a violation of Bridget’s constitutional right to property as guaranteed under Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The court further noted that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the alleged court order was not tendered in evidence, despite being a public document.

    Even if it had been presented, the judge held that the order was addressed to non-juristic persons “Access Bank Ltd” and “Manager Access Bank”, instead of the correct legal entity, Access Bank Plc.

    “The bank, having a legal department, ought to have known that the order was improperly drawn and could not be legally enforced,” the court stated.

    The applicant, who holds account number 0054695391 with Access Bank, discovered on July 1, 2023, that her account had been frozen without notice, leaving her unable to access her funds.

    Repeated visits to the bank yielded no resolution, as staff claimed it was an internal issue.

    In September 2023, Bridget survived an assassination attempt that resulted in severe injuries, including fractured legs and spinal damage.

    She spent over eight months in a wheelchair and was unable to fund her medical treatment due to the frozen account, causing extreme financial and emotional distress.

    Upon partial recovery in September 2024, Bridget resumed efforts to unfreeze her account but met continued delays.

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    In a letter dated October 7, 2024, her legal representatives demanded that the bank lift the restriction, but the bank failed to comply.

    Access Bank argued that the PND was valid, claiming that the Inspector General of Police had obtained a court order on July 16, 2023, against “Access Bank Ltd” and “Manager Access Bank.”

    It further argued that the dispute was not a fundamental rights issue but merely a banker-customer disagreement.

    However, the applicant’s counsel, Farid Giwa, maintained that the order was directed at non-existent entities, was not certified, and could not justify the prior restriction placed on the account.

    Justice Faji agreed with Giwa’s arguments and held that the bank’s actions were unconstitutional and unjustified.

    He awarded N7 million in damages for the violation of her rights.

  • Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    The Federal Capital Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed the premises of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, and Total Energy in Wuse over unpaid ground rent.

    The Director of Land, FCTA, Chijoke Nwankwoeze, explained during the exercise that the properties have reverted to the FCTA.

    Nwankwoeze said that the exercise marks the commencement of taking possession of more than 4,794 revoked properties by the FCTA.

    He explained that the FIRS building, located in Wuse Zone 5, owed the FCTA ground rent for 25 years.

    Nwankwoeze added that the Access Bank building, on Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja, belonged to Rana Tahir Furniture Nig. Ltd, and had not paid ground rent for 34 years.

    He said that the property has thus reverted to the FCTA, which has now taken possession thereof.

    Earlier, the enforcement team sealed Total Energy on plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent for more than 10 years.

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    The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said that the action was to take possession of the property, which had been revoked in March.

    Galadima recalled that the FCTA has announced its decision to take possession of the more than 4,000 revoked properties in the territory for non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

    “So, today is just to comply with what we have said that we are going to take over all the revoked properties, and we are starting with a plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 that Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” he said.