Access Holdings Explains 2025 Dividend Suspension Despite ₦1.01 Trillion Profit Growth

Access Holdings Plc has clarified the reason behind its decision not to pay dividends for the 2025 financial year despite delivering one of the strongest financial performances in the group’s history.

In a statement issued on May 7, 2026, the financial holding company said the temporary suspension of dividend payments was driven solely by unresolved regulatory compliance requirements and not by operational weakness or profitability concerns.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to long-term shareholder value and sustainable returns, assuring investors that dividend payments would resume once all regulatory conditions and approvals are fully satisfied.

According to the statement, Access Holdings delivered a resilient performance in the 2025 financial year with gross earnings rising by 13.3 percent to ₦5.53 trillion.

Net interest income also recorded strong growth while fees and commissions increased by 40.9 percent during the review period.

Profit before tax climbed by 16.2 percent to ₦1.01 trillion, marking the first time the group crossed the ₦1 trillion threshold in its history.

The group’s balance sheet also expanded significantly as total assets rose by 24.2 percent to ₦51.56 trillion.

Access Holdings said improved cost discipline and operating leverage helped reduce its cost-to-income ratio to 51.7 percent from 56.7 percent recorded previously.

The company added that capital adequacy remained robust both at the holding company and banking subsidiary levels.

Management explained that although dividends were recommended at both the half-year and full-year stages in 2025, approvals could not be secured due to specific regulatory constraints.

According to the company, the half-year dividend restriction linked to Section 7.1 of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Guidelines for Licensing and Regulation of Financial Holding Companies has already been resolved following the completion of an approved private placement.

However, Access Holdings disclosed that the remaining issue relates to Section 19(8)(c) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act concerning limits on foreign subsidiary investments.

The company stated that actions are already underway to resolve the outstanding regulatory concerns, including capital optimisation initiatives, balance sheet adjustments and enhancements to governance and policy frameworks.

Access Holdings also noted that it is building additional capital and liquidity buffers to support the sustainable restoration of dividend payments once regulatory approvals are obtained.

Looking ahead, the group said it remains focused on improving key performance indicators, targeting return on equity above 20 percent, return on assets above 2 percent and cost of risk below 3 percent.

Management expressed confidence in the group’s ability to convert its scale, geographical diversification and franchise strength into predictable earnings growth, resilient capital and stronger long-term shareholder value.