Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, SAN.
The appointment was disclosed by Access Holdings Plc in a corporate filing dated February 2, 2026.
Usoro stepped down from the position on January 29, 2026, after completing his regulatory tenure.
Access Bank, a major subsidiary of Access Holdings, said the leadership change forms part of its ongoing governance restructuring in line with regulatory requirements and the Group’s long-term strategic objectives.
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, described Osime as a principled and highly experienced leader with a strong grasp of the Bank’s strategy and values.
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He expressed confidence that her leadership would further advance the Bank’s goal of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and stakeholders while strengthening its position as a leading African financial institution.
Aig-Imoukhuede also commended Usoro for his contributions, noting his dedication and impact on the Group’s growth, while affirming that he remains a valued member of the Access family.
Osime’s elevation reflects the Bank’s structured succession planning and comes amid a broader leadership transition within Access Holdings.
The Group has recorded several governance changes since 2024, including the return of Aig-Imoukhuede as Group Chairman and the appointment of Innocent Ike as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in August 2025, following regulatory approval.
Osime brings decades of experience in law, corporate governance, and board leadership to her new role.
She joined the Board of Access Bank in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and previously chaired the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Her past board roles include Coronation Insurance Plc, Coronation Life Insurance Limited, and Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank.
She has also built an extensive legal and corporate career across institutions such as McPherson Legal Practitioners, NSIA Insurance, and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.
The appointment comes as Access Bank continues to strengthen its governance framework while expanding its operations across Africa and global markets.
