By Ayomide Otitoju
Access Holdings Plc has announced the successful completion of its Rights Issue, raising ₦351.01 billion through the issuance of 17.77 billion ordinary shares at ₦19.75 per share. The offering, which received full regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), positions Access Bank Plc, its flagship subsidiary, as the first Nigerian bank to meet the CBN’s ₦500 billion minimum capital requirement for international authorization—well ahead of the March 2026 deadline.
The successful exercise will raise the bank’s share capital to ₦600 billion, exceeding the regulatory threshold by ₦100 billion, according to a statement by Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media Relations.
Access Holdings made history as the first CBN-licensed financial holding company to execute a fully digital Rights Issue, leveraging the NGX E-offer platform. This innovative approach streamlined the subscription process, reduced barriers to participation, and enhanced shareholder access to the equity capital market.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings, lauded the successful offering as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market and the enduring trust of shareholders.
“The Access brand has consistently resonated with local and international capital markets. Since 2004, Access Bank has raised billions to meet successive CBN recapitalization directives. This time, we are proud to be the first to meet the requirement,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.
He acknowledged the unwavering support of the CBN and SEC, which ensured the integrity of the Rights Issue, and expressed gratitude to shareholders for their enduring loyalty over the company’s 22-year journey.
“With our enhanced capital base, we are poised to deliver sustainable value to our stakeholders in the coming year and beyond,” he concluded.
Access Holdings’ achievement cements its position as a leader in innovation and compliance within Nigeria’s financial sector, reinforcing confidence in its ability to drive future growth and sustainability.
