Access Holdings expects strong 2025 performance

Access Holdings, a leading financial institution, is gearing up for a robust performance in 2025 following an exceptional year in 2024. The Chairman of Access Holdings, Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed this optimism after the company posted nearly five trillion naira in gross earnings in the previous year. The announcement came during the bank's Annual General Meeting, where Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the satisfaction expressed by the board and shareholders at the dividends paid by the bank. During the CNBC Africa interview, Aig-Imoukhuede described the Annual General Meeting as a 'great' event, emphasizing the sense of a 'family affair' within the Access Holdings community. He underscored the significance of the achievements in 2024, including the substantial gross earnings and the strong growth in shareholders' funds. Notably, the successful rights issue underscored Access Bank's position as a standout in the Nigerian banking sector, surpassing regulatory capital requirements with confidence. Aig-Imoukhuede pointed out that the aggregate sum of 120 billion naira in dividends paid translated to a significant dividend payout of two naira 50 kobo per share, reflecting the bank's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. While acknowledging the shareholder's satisfaction with the dividends, he also acknowledged the call for enhanced dividends, especially in the form of interim payouts. Looking ahead to 2025, Aig-Imoukhuede expressed optimism about the bank's performance, citing a strong start in the first quarter and robust contributions from the bank's foreign operations. He confidently predicted that 2025 would surpass the achievements of the previous year, setting a high bar for growth and profitability. The positive outlook for Access Holdings aligns with the broader economic landscape in Nigeria, where the banking sector plays a crucial role in driving financial inclusion and economic development. Access Holdings' commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer-centric services positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate challenges effectively in the competitive banking industry. As Access Holdings prepares to embark on its journey towards a successful 2025, the leadership's strategic vision, operational efficiency, and focus on sustainable growth are expected to drive the company's performance and deliver value to its stakeholders.