Access Bank PLC reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable finance at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, hosted by Lagos Business School.
The high-profile event marked a major step in advancing climate-conscious governance within Nigeria’s corporate sector and drew participation from key stakeholders, including board directors, executives, regulators, and sustainability advocates.
Dr. Greg Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, was a featured speaker at the event, invited in recognition of the Bank’s pioneering role in integrating sustainability into its operations and governance framework. His participation underscored Access Bank’s reputation as a front-runner in climate-aligned decision-making in Africa’s financial services industry.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Jobome provided a detailed account of the Bank’s climate risk management strategy and the internal systems driving its sustainable transformation. “Access Bank’s climate risk journey reflects a long-standing commitment to building a sustainable institution,” he said. “We recognised early that climate risk is financial risk. We did not wait for regulation; instead, we acted proactively. That decision has made our institution more resilient and positioned us to unlock new growth opportunities.”
He highlighted that climate change remains a priority at both Board and Executive Management levels, with established policies and governance mechanisms in place to address climate-related risks. From credit approvals and capital expenditure to the design of green financial products, environmental considerations are embedded across the Bank’s core functions.
With a presence in 24 countries and a customer base exceeding 60 million—18.5 million of whom are digital banking users—Access Bank operates over 800 branches and maintains a capital adequacy ratio of 20.46% across its banking group. The Bank’s expansive international footprint includes strategic locations such as Paris and Angola, reinforcing its position as a global player with a local focus.
Access Bank’s commitment to climate action is evident in its adoption of global standards and metrics. These include the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) for financed emissions, and the recently introduced International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2.
Notable achievements include the installation of over 974 solar-powered ATMs, a 72% reduction in paper consumption through digital process automation, and a 50% cut in landfill waste at its headquarters via robust recycling practices. The Bank’s Sustainable Finance Accelerator has empowered businesses within the climate space by offering funding, technical support, and capacity-building initiatives. In addition, Access Bank’s social investment footprint has touched over 63 million lives.
“Our approach ensures climate risks are considered not just as compliance obligations, but as strategic business drivers,” Dr. Jobome noted. “From Switch to Solar and Solar for Health to mini-grid solutions, we continue to develop green products that support energy transition and inclusive, low-carbon growth.”
The Bank’s leadership in sustainable finance has earned it numerous accolades. It is the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative. Access Bank has also issued Green and Sustainability Bonds and has received prestigious recognitions, including twelve consecutive World Finance awards for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria, Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG (Ghana), and the IFC’s Best Trade Partner in West Africa.
Dr. Jobome’s participation in the CGIN launch spotlighted Access Bank’s impact and influence in shaping climate governance in Nigeria. “Our journey has been about more than compliance—it’s about using our influence to drive systemic change,” he said.
The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria Chapter forms part of the World Economic Forum’s global network designed to embed climate governance principles in boardroom decision-making. Its launch by Lagos Business School brought together leading voices to strengthen corporate responsibility and enhance Nigeria’s response to the climate crisis.
As climate risks intensify globally, Access Bank’s proactive stance and strategic integration of sustainability into financial services continue to set a benchmark for other institutions across the continent.