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Access Bank Plc has named seasoned legal practitioner and corporate governance specialist Ifeyinwa Osime as the new Chairman of its Board, following the retirement of Paul Usoro at the end of his regulatory tenure on January 29, 2026.
The appointment of the legal luminary was formally communicated to the Nigerian Exchange Limited in a notice signed by the company’s secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, and marks a significant leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions.
Access Holdings Plc, the parent company, described the move as part of its commitment to maintaining strong governance structures and continuity at the board level of its flagship banking subsidiary.
Osime is not new to the leadership architecture of Access Bank. She has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the bank’s board since November 2019, a role in which she built a reputation for firm oversight, balanced judgment, and deep engagement with governance processes.
During her time on the board, she chaired two critical committees: the Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, and the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Through these platforms, she played a central role in shaping leadership succession planning, executive performance evaluation, and sustainability-focused policies within the bank.
Her elevation to board chair is widely seen as a natural progression, reflecting years of institutional knowledge and hands-on involvement in strategic decision-making.
Extensive Experience Across Financial and Legal Sectors
Beyond Access Bank, Osime brings a broad portfolio of boardroom and advisory experience. She currently sits on the boards of Coronation Insurance Plc and Coronation Life Insurance Company Limited, and previously served as a director at Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank Limited.
She is also a director at Ebudo Trust Limited and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises corporate clients on commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks.
Her combined exposure to banking, insurance, trust services, and legal practice positions her as a multifaceted leader capable of navigating complex regulatory and market environments.
Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described Osime as a leader whose values align strongly with the institution’s long-term vision.
He noted that her deep understanding of the bank’s strategy, culture, and operating environment will help sustain momentum and strengthen stakeholder confidence.
According to him, the board expects that under Osime’s leadership, Access Bank will continue to deliver sustainable value to shareholders while balancing the interests of customers, employees, regulators, and host communities.
Paul Usoro, who stepped down after completing his regulatory tenure, was praised for providing steady leadership during a period of expansion and consolidation within the group.
The bank acknowledged his contributions to strengthening governance practices and guiding the board through key strategic phases. Although retiring as chairman, Usoro is expected to remain a respected figure within the broader Access family.
Osime holds a law degree from the University of Benin and a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics.
She has also participated in executive education programmes at leading global institutions, including INSEAD, IMD, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford credentials that underscore her exposure to international best practices in leadership, strategy, and corporate governance
