Access Bank names Ifeyinwa Osime as new board chair

Access Bank has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as the new chairman of its board, marking another major leadership change at Nigeria’s largest lender by assets. The appointment follows the retirement of Paul Usoro, SAN, who stepped down in late January after completing his regulatory tenure.

Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, announced in a corporate filing on Monday that Osime has been appointed as the new chairman of Access Bank. Osime, who has been a member of the bank’s board since 2019, is taking on this position as the Access Bank group reorganizes its leadership across its major divisions.

Following regulatory changes and internal restructuring since 2024, Access Holdings’ leadership transition continues with her elevation, part of ongoing board and executive team adjustments.

A familiar face inside the boardroom

Osime is already familiar with the bank’s leadership. For the past five years, she has led several board committees, including those focused on human resources, sustainability, governance, and compensation. This experience has provided her with a practical understanding of the bank’s operations, strategy, and regulatory requirements.

Read also: Access Bank customers paid ₦151 billion in bank charges in 9 months

For Access Bank, this appointment suggests a smooth transition. Rather than hiring someone from outside the bank, the board chose a person already involved in the bank’s leadership. This decision could ensure stability as the bank continues to grow in Africa and other markets.

It also comes as Access Holdings continues to rebuild its leadership structure following the death of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe in 2024 and the appointment of a new Group CEO, Innocent Ike, in 2025. Together, these moves suggest a deliberate effort to strengthen governance and succession planning within the group.

What this change means for Access Bank

Osime’s background is rooted in law, corporate governance, and board leadership. Before joining Access Bank, she served on the boards of Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Assurance, and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank). She has also held senior roles across Nigeria’s legal and insurance sectors, building a career that spans both public and private institutions.

Her appointment positions her to oversee Access Bank’s next growth phase, particularly as the lender expands its African and international presence. Strong board leadership is increasingly critical for shaping long-term strategy, especially amid rising regulatory scrutiny of financial institutions.

For employees and investors, the move reinforces Access Bank’s emphasis on structured leadership transitions rather than sudden changes. It also aligns with the group’s recent governance reforms, which have focused on compliance, risk management, and board effectiveness.

Osime’s chairmanship will focus on navigating evolving regulations and supporting Access Bank’s expansion beyond Nigeria. Her board experience offers steady leadership for the bank’s future.

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