Access Bank PLC has reaffirmed its reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable finance by taking center stage at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, hosted by the Lagos Business School.
Representing the bank was Dr Greg Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management, who was specially invited to speak at the high-level event in recognition of Access Bank’s pioneering integration of climate risk into its business operations and corporate governance.
In his presentation, Dr Jobome offered an insightful overview of how Access Bank embeds climate risk considerations across all facets of its operations, from boardroom discussions to financial decision-making processes.
“Climate change is a standing agenda item at both Board and Executive Management levels. We have dedicated policies and systems to monitor and manage its impact across our value chain, ”he noted.
With operations in 24 countries, over 60 million customers, and more than 18.5 million digital banking users, Access Bank has emerged as one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions.
The bank maintains a capital adequacy ratio of 20.46% for its group and continues to expand its global presence with offices in Paris and subsidiaries in Angola.
Access Bank’s sustainability milestones include:
Installation of over 974 solar-powered ATMs
72% reduction in paper usage through automation
50% reduction in landfill waste at its headquarters
Adoption of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting
Implementation of the PCAF model for financed emissions
Application of global standards like TCFD and the new IFRS S1 and S2 frameworks
Its Sustainable Finance Accelerator programme has supported climate-focused businesses by offering funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. To date, the bank’s social investment programmes have reached over 63 million lives.
Dr Jobome emphasised that climate risk is embedded in the bank’s credit approval processes, capital expenditure planning, and product development. Among its green finance products are Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and mini-grid solutions supporting Nigeria’s energy transition.
Access Bank has also made its mark in the capital markets, being the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative.
The bank has issued Green and Sustainability Bonds and won numerous awards, including the World Finance Award for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria (12 consecutive years), Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG (Ghana), and the IFC’s Best Trade Partner in West Africa.
“Access Bank’s climate risk journey reflects a long-standing commitment to building a sustainable institution. “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,” said Dr. Jobome.
The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria Chapter is part of a global World Economic Forum network that embeds climate-conscious decision-making in corporate boardrooms. The launch event convened board members, C-suite executives, regulators, and sustainability leaders to promote stronger climate governance and drive collective corporate action against climate change.
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