Access Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman of its Board, ushering in a new chapter in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions. Her appointment follows the retirement of Paul Usoro on January 29, 2026, after the completion of his regulatory tenure.
The development was disclosed to the Nigerian Exchange Limited in a notice issued on Monday and signed by the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi. In the statement, Access Holdings Plc confirmed that the Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc, its flagship subsidiary, approved Osime’s elevation to the role.
Osime brings to the position years of experience as a legal practitioner and a respected voice in corporate governance. She has served on the bank’s board since November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, where she became known for her measured leadership style and strong governance insight.
During her time on the board, she chaired key committees, including the Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. Through these roles, she contributed significantly to leadership development, board effectiveness, and the advancement of sustainability priorities within the bank.
Her appointment comes as Paul Usoro steps down in line with regulatory requirements. His tenure as chairman was marked by stability and continuity, helping to reinforce the bank’s governance framework during a period of growth and transition.
With Osime’s emergence as board chairman, Access Bank reinforces its focus on strong institutional leadership and sound governance, while also reflecting the growing presence of women in senior leadership positions across Nigeria’s corporate sector.
