Access Bank Plc has appointed Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, following the retirement of Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who stepped down on January 29, 2026, after completing his regulatory tenure.
The appointment was announced by Access Holdings Plc in a corporate filing dated February 2, 2026.
The move is part of ongoing leadership restructuring within the Access Holdings Group, as the financial institution aligns its governance framework with regulatory expectations and its long-term strategic priorities.
Leadership transition
Reacting to the development, Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, described Mrs. Osime as a principled and experienced leader with a strong grasp of the bank’s strategy and corporate values.
He expressed confidence that the bank would continue advancing its goals under her leadership, particularly in delivering sustainable value to shareholders and stakeholders, while pushing forward its ambition of becoming “the World’s Most Respected African Bank.”
Aig-Imoukhuede also commended Usoro for what he called his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the group, noting that he remains a valued member of the Access family.
Part of wider governance changes
Mrs. Osime’s appointment comes amid broader leadership changes across Access Holdings, which has seen key shifts since 2024.
The group began a wave of governance restructuring following the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as chairman in 2024, after the death of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe.
In 2025, the company appointed Mr. Innocent Ike as Group Managing Director/CEO on August 29, after receiving regulatory approval.
His appointment followed the resignation of Roosevelt Ogbonna from the board in line with new corporate governance rules.
Osime’s profile and experience
Mrs. Osime brings decades of experience in law, corporate governance, and board leadership to the role.
She joined the board of Access Bank in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and has since held key responsibilities, including chairing the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Her boardroom experience includes previous roles at Coronation Insurance Plc, Coronation Life Insurance Ltd, and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank).
She has also built a legal and corporate career across institutions such as McPherson Legal Practitioners, NSIA Insurance, and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.
The appointment signals a continued emphasis on leadership succession planning at Access Bank, as the institution strengthens its governance structure while expanding its footprint across Africa and international markets.
