Access Bank PLC has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainable finance through a strong presence at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, hosted by Lagos Business School.
Dr. Greg Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, was specially invited to speak at the event in recognition of the Bank’s pioneering role in integrating sustainability into its business model and its inspirational leadership within Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
In his presentation, Dr. Jobome provided a comprehensive overview of how Access Bank has embedded climate risk considerations across its governance structures, operations, and financial decision-making processes. He noted that climate change is a standing agenda item at both Board and Executive Management levels, supported by dedicated policies and systems for monitoring and managing its impact.
Access Bank operates in 24 countries, serving over 60 million customers, with more than 18.5 million digital banking users and over 800 branches. The Bank boasts a capital adequacy ratio of 20.46% across its banking group and maintains a growing international footprint, including operations in Paris and subsidiaries in Angola.
The Bank has implemented a wide range of climate-focused initiatives, including the measurement and reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions; adoption of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) model for financed emissions; and alignment with global reporting frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the newly launched International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2.
To date, Access Bank has installed more than 974 solar-powered ATMs, reduced paper usage by over 72% through process automation, and achieved a 50% reduction in landfill waste at its headquarters through robust recycling efforts. Its Sustainable Finance Accelerator programme has supported numerous climate-focused businesses through funding, capacity building, and technical assistance. The Bank has also reached over 63 million lives through its social investment initiatives.
Dr. Jobome emphasised that climate considerations are embedded into credit approvals, capital expenditure planning, and the development of green financial products. These include offerings such as Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and Mini-grid Solutions, which are designed to support energy transition and low-carbon economic growth.
Access Bank has also issued Green and Sustainability Bonds and remains the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI). Over the years, the Bank has garnered numerous accolades, including the World Finance Award for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria (twelve consecutive times), Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG (Ghana), and IFC’s Best Trade Partner in West Africa.
“Access Bank’s climate risk journey reflects a long-standing commitment to building a sustainable institution,” Dr. Jobome stated. “We recognised early on 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.”
Dr. Jobome’s invitation to speak underscores Access Bank’s reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices. The Bank’s proactive approach, deep expertise, and impactful implementation have made it a benchmark for other financial institutions in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria Chapter was officially launched by Lagos Business School as part of the World Economic Forum’s global network. The initiative aims to promote climate-conscious decision-making in corporate boardrooms. The launch event brought together board members, C-suite executives, regulators, and sustainability experts to advance climate governance and corporate responsibility in addressing climate change.