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NLNG Launches The Nigeria Prize For Creative Arts To Empower Young Nigerians

By Winifred Bosa

 L-R: Joel Benson, Technical Adviser to Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts (NPCA); Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communication & Public Affairs; Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development; and NPCA Advisory Board members, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (Chairman), and Emeritus Prof. Olu Obafemi, at the unveiling of prize with focus on Documentary filmmaking in Lagos, Friday.

NLNG has stated that new The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts will target young Nigerians with the aim of inspiring them to tell stories that redefines the nation’s image.

At a press conference in Lagos, the Company announced that the Prize, a new category under its sponsored-The Nigeria Prizes will target emerging Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35.

 

The Company also stated further that the Prize will challenge young Nigerians to produce documentary films that celebrate the nation’s identity and reshape global perceptions of Nigeria through information, creativity, and visual excellence.

The Prize cycle which will commence in February 2026 with a call for entry, alongside the other prizes, The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature.

The Prize comes with the award money of $20,000.

Speaking at a press conference, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, explained that the initiative reflects NLNG’s deep commitment to nurturing creative capital as part of national development.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to show the world our complexity, our brilliance, and our resilience through film. This Prize symbolises NLNG’s belief that storytelling is nation-building that every frame, every voice, and every perspective matters in the shaping of who we are and who we aspire to be, Horsfall said.

She emphasised that the initiative bridges Nigeria’s dynamic youth population and the broader creative industry, strengthening the nation’s voice globally while promoting unity and understanding through storytelling.

The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, will administer the new category.

She will be supported by Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima.

Professor Adimor-Ezeigbo noted that the Prize marks a significant milestone in NLNG’s over two-decade journey of celebrating excellence across disciplines.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed. It asks its creators to confront truth, explore memory, and translate experience into meaning,” she said.

She emphasised that the Prize would align with the overarching strategy of the prizes to reward excellence.
Joel Benson, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and Technical Advisor to Adivsory Board, stated that the Prize would be benchmarked against international film festival standards, ensuring that winning entries can compete globally.

He added that the creative energy of Nigeria’s youth deserves a platform that matches its ambition.

Benson explained further that only short documentaries of no more than 20 minutes will be accepted in the inaugural edition, adding that entries will be judged on storytelling craft, originality, production quality and creativity, among other metrics.

He revealed that the judging panel will be chaired by Dr. Sam Dede, a veteran actor, director, and senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.

He will be joined by Adeola Aderonke, an award-winning film director, art historian, scriptwriter, and producer and George Ugwuja, a renowned film producer who has delivered high-quality work for international organisations.

The prize cycle will end in October 2026 with the announcement of the final verdict at the Grand Award Night, sponsored by NLNG.

Academy Press Plc Hosts Stakeholders’ Forum , Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence

By Winifred Bosa


L–R: Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Fatima Betara; Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Wahab Dabiri, Non-Executive Director, Mr. David Pritchard; Non-Executive Director, Chief Oyewole Olaoye; Managing Director, Mr. Gbenga Ladipo and Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunnubi, all of Academy Press PLC during the public presentation of the book titled Celebrating the Past, Envisioning Tomorrow, held as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of Academy Press, in Lagos on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

As part of its 60th Anniversary celebrations, Nigeria’s foremost printing and publishing solutions provider, Academy Press Plc has successfully hosted a Stakeholders’ Forum on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, industry leaders, government representatives and business partners to celebrate the company’s six decades of excellence, innovation, and contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Giving his opening speech, Chairman, Board of Directors, Academy Press Plc, Mr. Wahab Babatunde Dabiri, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their unwavering support over the years.

“As we celebrate 60 years of Academy Press, we are filled with immense gratitude to our shareholders, staff, partners, and customers who have stood by us through every chapter of this journey. Sixty years represents resilience, innovation, and an unwavering belief in our purpose. The journey has been rewarding, but even more exciting are the years ahead as we continue to build on our legacy and expand into new areas such as light packaging and digital print solutions.” He stated.

The highlight of the event included remarks from stakeholders, a commemorative presentation on the company’s historical milestones and strategic outlook for the future as well as the public presentation of the book titled Celebrating the Past, Envisioning Tomorrow.

In his address, Managing Director of Academy Press Plc, Mr. Gbenga Ladipo, reflected on the company’s remarkable journey and resilience over the decades.
“This is a milestone that compels reflection. Today, we pause not just to count the years or measure our figures, but to celebrate our sustenance, our resilience, our people, and our purpose. At this age, Academy Press is more than a company. It is a living canvas woven from the threads of time, people, and promise. The next sixty years will not just be a continuation, they will be a new creation, informed by our legacy but not limited by it.” He said

Among the dignitaries’ present were top government officials, corporate executives, and industry stakeholders, including representatives of the Governor of Lagos State as well as the Oba of Lagos.

Representing the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Olarenwaju Bajulaiye, congratulated Academy Press Plc on its 60th anniversary, describing it as a true Nigerian success story built on excellence and innovation.

He commended the company’s role in education and governance and urged it to keep investing in talent, technology, and sustainability to drive future growth.

The Stakeholders’ Forum forms part of a week-long line-up of activities commemorating the company’s Diamond Jubilee. Other events include a humanitarian visit to Ilupeju Orphanage and Olusoye Compensatory Home, the 61st Annual General Meeting, a Jumat Service, Staff Party, and a Thanksgiving Service at the Anglican Church, Ilupeju.

 

Nkerefi Community Lauds Gov Mbah’s Rural Devt Initiative

New Yam Festival, Nkerefi Community Lauds Gov Mbah's Rural Devpt Initiative  | Independent Newspaper NigeriaLarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Enuogu-Nkerefi Autonomous Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State came alive on Thursday with colours, rhythmic Abia dance steps, and the rich aroma of roasted yam as the people celebrated their annual Iri Ji, otherwise known as the New Yam Festival. The event was marked by excitement and praises for Governor Peter Mbah’s rural development initiatives, which aim to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural communities in the state.
The ceremony, held at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, business moguls, as well as sons and daughters of Nkerefi from within and outside the state.
In his address, Igwe Onukwube, the Ogu I of Enuogu Nkerefi, expressed gratitude to God and his people for another successful festival, describing the Iri Ji as a sacred cultural event that strengthens the bond of unity among the Igbo.
He explained that the festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and symbolizes thanksgiving for bountiful yields and divine blessings upon the land.
The monarch, who has reigned for twenty-three years, commended Governor Mbah for his commitment to rural transformation, especially in Nkerefi, where major infrastructure projects have been executed over the past two years.
According to him, the once deplorable road to the community which had forced motorists to pass through Nkanu West, Aninri, and even Ebonyi State before returning to Nkerefi has now received massive attention under the current administration.
“I want to commend our present governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, for his rural development initiatives across the state. We are happy with him for extending this good gesture to us. He will continue to have our support in all he does because he means well for our people. Construction is ongoing, and it is now much easier to drive down to Nkerefi without taking those long, distressing routes,” Igwe Onukwube said.
He further appreciated the governor for appointing indigenes of Nkerefi into strategic government positions, noting that such recognition has given the community a strong voice in the state.
The traditional ruler also lauded the establishment of two Smart Green Schools and two Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in Nkerefi, describing them as life-changing projects already impacting the lives of the people.
In his goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Imeoha-Nkerefi Autonomous Community, Igwe Luke Okorie, commended the host community for preserving the age-long festival and applauded Governor Mbah’s administration for the ongoing construction of roads and bridges in Nkerefi.
He noted that Nkerefi, made up of four autonomous communities — Imeoha, Enuogu, Ishienu Amofu, and Ohuani Amofu — remains the food basket of Enugu State, supplying large quantities of yam, garri, rice, and other staple foods to major markets. He urged the government to ensure the speedy completion of ongoing projects.
“This festival has drawn our sons and daughters from far and near to celebrate together. A fortnight ago, my kingdom held its own Iri Ji, and I am here today to witness that of my brothers in Enuogu. It is a time to thank God for His blessings and also to draw government attention to our needs. Governor Mbah has demonstrated uncommon love for our people, and we pray that the ongoing projects will be completed soon to ease the movement of goods and services to other parts of the state,” Igwe Okorie said.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Publications, Mr. Josh Ejeh, explained that the recent alignment of the Mbah administration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was borne out of collective interest and the desire to attract more development projects to Enugu State. He stressed that the decision was not a matter of political expediency but a deliberate step to ensure that Enugu benefits maximally from federal presence and national decision-making.
“The decision to align with the APC is in Enugu’s collective interest. The governor took this decision in consultation with the people, and it is aimed at improving the welfare of Ndi Enugu. Our goal is to position Enugu State strategically so that more federal projects and investments can come our way.
“Already, we have seen what Governor Mbah’s vision is doing in Nkerefi through smart schools, healthcare centres, roads, farm estates, and pipe-borne water projects. These are tangible results of purposeful leadership,” Ejeh stated.
He commended the people of Nkerefi for their continued support for the administration, urging them to remain steadfast and to embrace the APC as a party that genuinely promotes the interest of Ndigbo. He assured them that more projects had been earmarked for the community and would continue to spread with time.
Highlights of the occasion included the cutting and eating of the new yam, the rhythmic Abia dance performed by the traditional rulers and their council of chiefs, and various cultural displays that showcased the beauty and unity of the Nkerefi people.
2025 List Of Industry’s 50 Men Of Impact Announced

By Winifred Bosa

The Industry Newspaper is pleased to reveal the top 50 men of impact 2025, recognizing their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective industry and firld from integrated marketing communications, entertainment, banking, telecommunications, healthcare and wellness, entrepreneurship, tech, and energy, media, journalism and project management sectors.

The honorees will be celebrated at the Industry’s Men of Impact 2025 event on November 4, 2025, at Radisson Blu, Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The theme for this inaugural edition is titled: “Empowering Men: Achieving Balance in a Fast-Paced World.”

The presentation will be preceded by a panel session that will look into the theme.

The event is expected to be attended by Mr. Udeme Ufot, GCEO, SO&U, Rufai Ladipo, GMD of Agile Communications, Mr. Jimi Awosika, EVC, Insights Redefini, Mr. Funmi Onabolu, CEO, Cosse LLC, Mr. Muyiwa Kayode, CEO, USP Communications, and Sir Steve Omojafor.

The top 50 men of impact 2025 have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.

See attached 2025 List!

Industry_Top_50_Most_Influential_Practitioners-original-list

NGX Group Declares ₦1.00 Interim Dividend, Sustains Track Record Of Shareholder Value Creation

NGX Group declares ₦1.00 interim dividend, sustains shareholder value  creation track record - Champion Newspapers LTD
Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group or the Group) has announced the declaration of an interim dividend of ₦1.00 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each, following the approval of its unaudited financial statements for the third quarter ended 30 September 2025, at the meeting of its Board of Directors held on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.

 

 

The interim dividend will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as at the close of business on Friday, 7 November 2025, while payment will be remitted electronically to qualified shareholders on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

 

 

This declaration marks another milestone in NGX Group’s history of consistent dividend payments, underscoring the Board’s confidence in the Group’s resilience, profitability, and value-creation strategy.

 

 

Commenting on the announcement, the Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, stated: “The declaration of this interim dividend reaffirms the Board’s confidence in NGX Group’s solid fundamentals and long-term growth outlook. We have maintained a consistent dividend track record that reflects our unwavering commitment to shareholder value. This payment recognises our investors’ trust and remains focused on reciprocating that trust through consistent value addition to its shareholders. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable returns through disciplined execution and strategic growth.”

 

 

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Temi Popoola, noted: “Our commitment to shareholders is at the heart of every strategic decision we make. This dividend reflects the Group’s strong financial discipline, consistent profitability, and prudent capital allocation. As we advance our growth agenda, we will continue to unlock opportunities across our ecosystem, creating measurable value for our investors and reinforcing NGX Group’s position as a trusted driver of capital market prosperity in Africa.”

 

 

NGX Group will continue to demonstrate its commitment to transparent governance, financial discipline, and sustainable value creation.

Access Bank Deepens Engagement With SME Customers

Amaka Obiefuna

 

Access Bank Plc once again demonstrated its commitment to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) as it hosted an exclusive roundtable with its SME customers in Abuja.

 

The event, aptly titled “An Exclusive Roundtable with Chizoma Okoli,” held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners across diverse sectors. It was more than a corporate engagement; it was a genuine heart-to-heart conversation between the Bank and its customers.

 

The session opened with a remark from the Bank’s Unit Head, Strategic Communications, Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the conversation. She then introduced the Bank’s Deputy Managing Director (Retail South), Mrs. Chizoma Okoli, whose presence was both reassuring and inspiring for the customers.

 

Addressing customers at the event, Okoli said, ‘At Access bank, we love SMEs, and that is why we have been engaging our SME customers across Nigeria since last year to know their pain points and how to serve them better. We have engaged with our customers in Portharcourt, Enugu, and Lagos. Today, we are in Abuja, we are here for you; to engage, to listen, and to understand how we can make our products and services better suited to your needs,” she said, earning nods of approval from the audience.

 

The event quickly evolved into an open, candid engagement where customers were encouraged to share their experiences and challenges. Participants raised issues ranging from technology downtimes and loan conditions to communication gaps and staff responsiveness. One recurring concern was the stringent collateral requirements attached to loan facilities.

 

Mr. Bala Muhammed, a public health consultant, urged the Bank to review its loan policies to make them more accessible to small businesses. On the other hand, Mrs. Ifeoma Grace Okoye, a small business owner, praised the Bank for its sustained support but encouraged it to do even more to empower SME operators.

 

Okoli in her response, addressed each issue with some reassuring honesty. On technology, she revealed that Access Bank is undergoing a major digital upgrade to ensure faster and smoother transactions. On loan conditions, she explained that regulatory standards from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sometimes shape internal policies, but assured customers that the Bank was exploring ways to ease access to credit and improve turnaround times.

 

“We are here because of you. We cannot do without you. We are not an institution that claims to know it all. We recognize our shortcomings, and we are committed to doing more,” she said with a resonating tone that reflects humility and sincerity.

 

The Group Head, SME Banking, Mrs. Abiodun Olubitan, also took the stage to outline some of the Bank’s key SME support initiatives, including its collateral-free loan scheme and other innovative financing solutions tailored to help small businesses scale.

 

Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu, Unit Head, strategic communications also reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to enhancing communication with its customers. She emphasized that Access Bank remains open to partnerships and sponsorships that can help SME clients gain more visibility and access to growth opportunities.

 

As the dialogue deepened, customers became more knowledgeable about products and interventions the Bank had introduced in recent years they had not been aware of. Another customer, Mr. Lolu Adewalure, Chief Operating Officer of Rex Africa, commended the Bank for its consistency in dishing out values. Mr. Adewalure however called for further improvements in its digital infrastructure to enhance customer experience.

 

At the end of the extended session that lasted well beyond the scheduled closing time, many customers described the engagement as enlightening and impactful. They applauded the Bank’s leadership for creating an avenue where customers could be heard directly and their concerns addressed in ample time.

 

For Access Bank, it was not just another customer engagement; it was a reaffirmation of its philosophy; more than banking, it is about building relationships that empower growth. As the guests departed with smiles and renewed confidence, one sentiment echoed across the hall: Access Bank was not just talking about customer care; it was living it.

SEC Partners CBN, EFCC To Track, Freeze Illicit Digital Wallets

SEC partners CBN, EFCC to track, freeze illicit digital wallets –  Mediatracnet
 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and freeze illicit digital wallets used for money laundering and other financial crimes.
 The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing participants at the Abuja Journalists Academy during a lecture on “The Regulation of Digital Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Head External Relations Department of the SEC, Mrs. Efe Ebelo, Agama said the partnership marked a major step in protecting investors and strengthening integrity in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem.
“To strengthen enforcement, the SEC is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to freeze illicit digital wallets and recover criminal proceeds. Our goal is to ensure that innovation serves progress, not predation,” he said.
 The SEC boss noted that Nigeria ranks among the world’s top adopters of digital assets, with more than one-third of the population involved in crypto-related activities.
This, he said, reflects the creativity of Nigerian youth, the spread of mobile technology, and the drive for financial inclusion.
However, he warned that the rapid growth of digital assets has also opened opportunities for abuse.
  He listed common threats such as crypto scams, fake wallet applications, phishing attacks, and ransomware schemes, which have defrauded many unsuspecting citizens.
“Without strong regulation, innovation can quickly become vulnerability,” he cautioned.
“Regulation is not about restriction; it is about building trust and ensuring that innovation strengthens our economy rather than weakens it.”
 To address these challenges, the SEC has established a detailed regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under its 2022 Rules on the Issuance, Offering, and Custody of Digital Assets.
 The framework rests on three pillars of licensing, compliance and transparency.
Agama said these measures were part of the Commission’s broader commitment to build a transparent and trustworthy digital asset market that protects investors and discourages criminal activities.
Beyond issuing regulations, he said the SEC is also deploying modern technology to monitor transactions in the digital space. A
 Agama said the Commission now uses blockchain analytics tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to trace transactions, detect fraud, and improve cybersecurity.
 “We are leveraging blockchain analytics, AI, and advanced monitoring systems to strengthen our supervisory capacity,” he explained. “This will help us respond faster to suspicious transactions and protect market integrity.”
 He added that the Commission’s collaboration with the CBN and EFCC would enhance coordination between financial regulators and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to act swiftly against cross-border financial crimes.
 Dr. Agama also placed Nigeria’s regulatory approach within a global context. He said the FATF, through its Recommendation 15, now requires all VASPs worldwide to implement AML and CFT controls.
 He cited other jurisdictions such as the European Union, with its MiCA framework, and the United States, where enforcement against unregistered exchanges has intensified.
“The message globally is clear- digital finance must be as transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly as traditional finance,” the SEC DG stated.
According to Agama, the SEC is committed to maintaining a regulatory balance that supports innovation while safeguarding the financial system from abuse.
“If regulators clamp down too hard, innovation migrates offshore; if they regulate too softly, risks multiply,” he noted. “Our task is to find the right balance, one that encourages creativity while protecting Nigerians from exploitation.”
 He stressed that digital assets were no longer a fringe concept but a structural pillar of modern finance, reshaping markets and redefining trust, ownership, and value exchange globally.
 Agama concluded by reaffirming the SEC’s commitment to building a digital finance ecosystem grounded in ethics and transparency.
“The future of finance is digital, but its foundation must remain ethical, transparent, and trustworthy,” he said. “Trust is the ultimate currency, and as regulators, our highest duty is to preserve it.”
 He urged Nigerian innovators, fintech firms, and investors to embrace responsible innovation, assuring them that the SEC’s goal is to create a secure environment that promotes financial inclusion, investor protection, and national development.
Access Holdings Records N3.9 Trillion Gross Earnings In Nine Months

 

Access Holdings PLC (“the Group” or “the Company”) today announced its nine-month ended September 30, 2025 (“Q3 2025”) results, recording gross earnings of ₦3.9trillion, which represented a rise by 14.1% year-on-year over ₦3.4trillion as at Q3 2024.

This performance was driven by sustained growth in both interest and fees and commission, reflecting the strength of the Group’s diversified earnings base and improved performance from core operations across its banking and non-banking businesses.

Maintaining the same momentum, gross earnings rose by 56.2% quarter-on-quarter from ₦2.5trillion as at Half Year (H1) 2025.

Interest income rose by 21.1% year-on-year to ₦2.9 trillion in Q3 2025, compared to ₦2.4 trillion in Q3 2024. Net interest income also increased by 48.9% to ₦1.3 trillion from ₦845 billion in the same period. This performance was driven by loan book expansion, reflecting our disciplined risk management approach and a strategic focus towards higher-yielding, quality assets to strengthen portfolio returns.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, interest income and net interest income grew by 42.1% and 27.8%, respectively, from ₦2.0 trillion and ₦984 billion in H1 2025.

There was 44.3% growth in net fee and commission to N476billion in Q3 2025 from N330billion in Q3 2024, reflecting higher transaction volumes and increased customer activity across digital and payment channels across both periods.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, net fee and commission income also increased by 100.8% from N237billion in H1 2025.

While total non-interest income declined marginally by 8.1% to ₦872 billion in Q3 2025 from ₦984trillion in Q3 2024, the Group’s growth momentum from core operations continues to support overall earnings trajectory.

Operating income rose 18.8% to ₦2.13 trillion in Q3 2025 from ₦1.8trillion in Q3 2024.

Impairment on loans increased by 141.5% to N350billion as of Q3 2025 from N145billion in Q3 2024.

Operating expenses increased marginally by 6.7% in Q3 2025 to N1.2trillion from N1.1trillion in Q3 2024. The cost-to-income ratio (CIR) improved to 54.6% in Q3 2025 from 60.8% as at Q3 2024, as revenue growth outpaced operating expenses. We expect cost-to-income ratio to stay moderated from ongoing efficiency initiatives, cost optimization measures, and stronger revenue across the Group.

Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 10.4% to N616billion in Q3 2025 from N558billion in Q3 2024. Profit after tax moderated to N447billion in Q3 2025 from N458billion in Q3 2024.

Compared to H1 2025 performance, profitability demonstrated resilience, as profit before tax (PBT) increased by 91.9% from N321billion in H1 2025 YTD to N616billion in Q3 2025. Profit after tax (PAT) also showed improvement in the period with a 107.9% increase to N447billion in Q3 2025 from N215 billion as at H1 2025 YTD.

The Group’s balance sheet increased with total assets growing by 25.8% to N52.0trillion in Q3 2025 from N41.5trillion in FY 2024. The growth in balance sheet was supported by customer deposits, which grew by 47.0% to N33.1trillion in Q3 2025 from N22.5trillion in FY 2024. Loans and advances increased by 19.7% to N15.6trillion in Q3 2025 from N13.0trillion in Q3 2024. The Group is positioned to unlock revenue synergies, enhance cross-border collaboration, and drive sustainable earnings growth.

The Group’s strong performance was largely driven by its non-Nigerian subsidiaries, which together contributed over 50% of consolidated results. These subsidiaries continued to deliver strong growth across key metrics, reflecting the benefits of diversification and deepening franchise strength across our African markets. In comparison, the Nigerian operations experienced underperformance during the period, attributable to changing macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures, and continued regulatory adjustments. Despite these headwinds, the Group’s diversified structure continued to provide stability and resilience.

The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 15.4% in Q3 2025, down from 22.2% in Q3 2024, while return on average assets (ROAA) also moderated to 1.3% in Q3 2025 from 1.8% in Q3 2024. The cost-to-income ratio (CIR) improved to 54.6% in Q3 2025 from 60.8% as at Q3 2024.

Looking ahead, Access Holdings will continue to strengthen our franchise across all our markets and businesses, deepen operational resilience, and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders.