Access Bank has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as the new chair of its board, marking another key 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. The decision was disclosed by Access Holdings, the bank’s parent company, in a corporate filing on Monday.
Osime’s elevation comes as Access Holdings continues to reorganise its leadership structure across its major business units, following regulatory changes and internal restructuring that began in 2024.
A familiar figure in the boardroom
Osime is not new to Access Bank’s leadership. She has been a member of the bank’s board since 2019 and has chaired several key board committees over the past five years, including those responsible for human resources, sustainability, governance, and compensation.
Her long-standing involvement in board oversight gives her deep familiarity with the bank’s operations, strategy, and regulatory obligations. By appointing a chair from within the existing board, Access Bank appears to be prioritising continuity and stability at a time when the group is expanding its footprint across Africa and other international markets.
Part of a broader leadership transition
The appointment also fits into a wider leadership reset at Access Holdings following the death of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe in 2024 and the subsequent appointment of Innocent Ike as Group CEO in 2025.
Taken together, these changes point to a deliberate effort by the group to strengthen governance, succession planning, and board oversight as it navigates a more complex operating and regulatory environment.
Osime’s professional background
Osime brings a strong background in law, corporate governance, and board leadership. Before joining Access Bank’s board, she served as a director at Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Assurance, and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank).
Her career spans senior roles across Nigeria’s legal and insurance sectors, positioning her to guide the bank through evolving regulatory expectations and increasing scrutiny of large financial institutions.
What her appointment means for Access Bank
As board chair, Osime will oversee Access Bank’s next phase of growth, particularly its African and international expansion strategy. Strong board leadership has become increasingly important for banks operating across multiple jurisdictions, where compliance, risk management, and governance standards are under closer review.
For employees, investors, and regulators, the appointment reinforces Access Bank’s approach to structured leadership transitions rather than abrupt changes. It also aligns with the group’s recent focus on governance reforms aimed at improving board effectiveness and long-term strategic oversight.
Osime’s chairmanship is expected to centre on navigating regulatory shifts while supporting Access Bank’s ambition to scale sustainably beyond Nigeria.
