Access Holdings Plc has released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, marking a pivotal transition from a scale-focused growth strategy to one centred on value creation, efficiency, and stronger earnings quality.
The Group recorded a solid performance despite a transitioning operating environment, highlighting the resilience of its business model and the strength of its governance framework. Profit before tax exceeded the ₦1 trillion mark for the first time, rising to ₦1.01 trillion, representing a 16.2 per cent increase from the previous year.
Net interest income climbed to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income surged by 40.9 per cent to ₦585.1 billion, reflecting successful revenue diversification. Operating income after impairment also grew by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion. Meanwhile, cost efficiency improved, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024.
Returns remained strong, with return on average equity at 18.4 per cent and return on average assets at 1.6 per cent, reinforcing the quality and sustainability of earnings.
Speaking on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO Innocent C. Ike said the performance reflects the strength of the institution and its diversified income streams. He noted that the Group is entering a more deliberate optimisation phase focused on capital efficiency, improved earnings quality, and long-term value creation.
The balance sheet also expanded significantly. Total assets rose by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits grew sharply by 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds increased by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion, underlining sustained investor confidence and strong capital retention.
Macroeconomic conditions provided some support during the year, as Nigeria’s economy grew by about 3.9 per cent, inflation eased from 2024 highs, and foreign reserves exceeded $45 billion. The NGX All Share Index also surged by over 51 per cent, signalling renewed investor confidence and stronger capital market activity.
Although banking remains the dominant contributor, accounting for about 97 per cent of revenue, the Group continues to diversify. Its investment and insurance arms, including Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers, are delivering stable income, while digital platforms like Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are enhancing its footprint in financial technology.
Looking ahead, the Group expects improving macroeconomic stability to drive credit growth, higher transaction volumes, and broader financial system activity. Management plans to sustain disciplined execution, strengthen capital efficiency, and deliver long-term, risk-adjusted returns.
Ike emphasised that Africa remains a key growth frontier and reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to building a durable institution anchored on strong governance, strategic clarity, and consistent value delivery.
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