Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Theatre became home to Nigeria’s most iconic productions, from Hubert Ogunde’s epic plays to international dance festivals, orchestral performances, film premieres, and global conferences. It was a beacon for African creativity, a place where culture, identity, music, and storytelling came alive. But by the early 2000s, the Theatre, though heavy with cultural memory, had fallen into disrepair. Years of inadequate maintenance, stalled concession agreements, and structural depreciation left the building struggling to meet modern technical and creative demands. The symbol of national pride had become a shadow of its past promise.

Recognising the scale of cultural loss and the opportunity embedded within it, the Bankers’ Committee, with Access Bank playing a pivotal role, initiated the largest cultural infrastructure revitalisation project in contemporary Nigeria. The decision was both strategic and patriotic: Nigeria’s creative industry, now contributing significantly to GDP through film, fashion, music, design, cultural tourism, and digital content, urgently needed a modern, centralised hub that could support global-standard production and creative entrepreneurship. Reviving the National Theatre would not only restore a national icon but also stimulate job creation, attract international collaborations, and reposition Lagos as a premier African creative economy hub.

The renewal of the National Theatre is therefore more than a restoration project; it is a necessary economic intervention, a cultural renaissance, and a visionary step toward building a more inclusive and future-ready Nigeria. And for Access Bank, supporting this transformation is a natural continuation of a long, deliberate commitment to art, culture, and creative empowerment.

Access Bank’s Legacy of Championing the Creative Economy

Well before Nigeria’s creative industry gained global recognition, Access Bank had positioned itself as a cultural investor and ecosystem builder. For over a decade, the Bank has supported transformational initiatives across music, visual arts, fashion, film, sustainability, and youth development.

Access Bank has helped spotlight emerging and established African artists on a global stage through partnerships and collaborations with platforms like ART X. The annual fair, now one of Africa’s most influential contemporary art events, has benefitted immensely from the Bank’s commitment to nurturing young talent, commissioning bold projects, and providing a meeting point for creators, collectors, and global art enthusiasts.

In film and entertainment, Access Bank has backed festivals, documentaries, youth-focused storytelling, and creative incubators, recognising that Nigeria’s cultural exports are among its most powerful global assets. Across literature, community theatre, design, and public art, the Access brand remains synonymous with innovation, creativity, and cultural elevation. The revival of the National Theatre is thus an extension of this commitment.

A Cultural Renaissance Rooted in National Development
The National Theatre project is designed as a two-phase undertaking. Phase One, already significantly advanced, focuses on restoring the original theatre structure. This includes upgrading the main stage, cinema halls, exhibition spaces, lighting systems, acoustics, seating, ventilation, and accessibility infrastructure. The goal is to return the iconic building to world-class functionality while preserving its historic architecture.

Phase Two introduces a modern Creative Industries Park, a multi-purpose development designed to house film production studios, music recording labs, fashion houses, IT and gaming centers, photography studios, coworking spaces, and training academies. This innovation hub is expected to host thousands of young creators annually, enabling them to produce, learn, collaborate, and scale ideas into globally competitive businesses.

With Access Bank’s involvement through the Bankers’ Committee, the project has attracted international partnerships, institutional investors, technical specialists, and creative collaborators. It is poised to become one of the most significant cultural and economic catalysts in West Africa.

In a world where creative exports have become a major source of national influence, from Nollywood films to Afrobeats, digital arts to global fashion, infrastructure is destiny. Nigeria’s young creators generate some of the world’s most consumed cultural content, yet the ecosystem has lacked the physical and institutional support systems needed to harness that potential fully.
The revitalised National Theatre is therefore a launchpad for Nigeria’s next creative era.
With Access Bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering Africa’s creative industries, the revival blends heritage with innovation, history with ambition, and art with economic development.

From art fairs to creative hubs, sustainability initiatives to youth empowerment, Access Bank continues to champion platforms that inspire, educate, and elevate communities across the country.

By supporting the transformation of the National Theatre, the Bank has once again placed itself at the heart of Nigeria’s cultural renewal, bridging past and future, preserving heritage, and building an ecosystem where creativity can thrive without limits.

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Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Ayokunle Faji held that the bank acted without lawful justification by placing a Post No Debit (PND) restriction on Oluwasesan’s account in July 2023—two weeks before a purported court order authorizing such action was allegedly obtained.

According to the report, Access Bank failed to provide a valid legal basis for the account restriction, having placed the PND on July 1, 2023, while the said court order was dated July 16, 2023. Furthermore, the bank did not tender a Certified True Copy of the order, which Justice Faji described as a crucial oversight for a public document.

The judge also noted that the court order cited by Access Bank was addressed to non-legal entities—“Access Bank Limited” and “Manager Access Bank”—rather than the bank’s correct legal identity, “Access Bank Plc.”

“The bank, having a legal department, ought to have known that the order was improperly drawn and could not be legally enforced,” Justice Faji stated.

The applicant, who holds account number 0054695391 with Access Bank, discovered that her account had been frozen without prior notice, effectively cutting her off from accessing her funds. Efforts to resolve the issue through bank visits proved futile, as staff repeatedly claimed it was an “internal issue.”

Tragically, in September 2023, Oluwasesan was the target of a violent attack which left her with fractured legs and spinal injuries. The prolonged account restriction left her unable to fund necessary medical treatment, resulting in eight months spent in a wheelchair and causing severe emotional and financial hardship.

The report further disclosed that despite her legal team’s intervention—including a formal demand letter dated October 7, 2024—the bank failed to lift the restriction. In its defense, Access Bank argued that it acted on a valid order obtained by the Inspector General of Police on July 16, 2023. However, the court found the bank’s explanation lacking in merit.

Justice Faji affirmed that the bank’s action amounted to a breach of the applicant’s constitutional right to property as protected under Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

In addition to granting six out of the eight reliefs sought by the applicant, the court ordered Access Bank to pay ₦7 million in compensation for the unlawful restriction and the resulting hardship.

Legal experts say the judgment sets an important precedent for the protection of customers’ rights within Nigeria’s banking system and underscores the importance of adherence to due process in financial transactions.

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The latest report reveals that the banking sector continues to dominate brand performance in Nigeria, accounting for 59% of the total brand value in the ranking. Financial institutions now make up the majority of the top 10, reflecting the sector’s growing influence in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Access Bank’s sustained dominance is attributed to its focus on innovation, customer engagement, and strategic expansion. Over the past few years, the bank has deepened its footprint across Africa and key global markets, while prioritizing digital transformation and inclusive banking.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, described the recognition as a reflection of the bank’s long-term strategy and operational strength.

“Being named Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the fourth year running is a testament to the strength of our people, our customers’ trust, and the clarity of our vision,” Ogbonna said. “We remain committed to delivering value through innovation, financial inclusion, and impactful partnerships across Africa and beyond.”

Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group CEO of Access Holdings PLC, also noted that the recognition affirms the Group’s mission to build the most respected African financial institution globally.

“Access Bank’s brand leadership reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and stakeholder value,” Agbede said. “As we evolve and expand, our focus remains on deepening trust and enhancing the customer experience across all markets we serve.”

Babatunde Odumeru, Managing Director of Brand Finance Nigeria, highlighted the resilience of Nigerian banks amid economic uncertainties.

“Nigerian banking brands continue to grow, demonstrating agility and strong customer loyalty,” Odumeru stated. “Access Bank exemplifies the ability to lead with purpose and innovation in challenging times.”

The 2025 edition of the “Nigeria 25” ranking underscores the financial sector’s central role in the country’s economic development. The growing dominance of banks is seen as a signal of investor confidence and an indicator of the sector’s long-term stability and growth potential.

With consistent investment in brand development and strategic partnerships, Access Bank remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s evolving business environment — not just as a financial powerhouse, but as a trusted driver of economic progress.

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In a series of viral posts across social media platforms, customers have voiced their frustrations, alleging unexplained deductions and the failure to receive transaction alerts—a service once considered reliable by many.

Alabi Olakunle, a concerned customer, remarked: “Access Bank, your electronic money transfer charges are just too much.” His comment drew attention, racking up over 60 views and sparking engagement from others with similar complaints.

Sunday Chibuzo, another loyal user, expressed disappointment over recent lapses: “Access Bank, I love your bank, but I no longer receive alerts.” His post, although brief, ignited a flurry of reactions with over 90 comments from users echoing the same experience.

On Saturday, Francis Basil added his voice to the growing chorus: “Access Bank, you guys aren’t trying again. I don’t receive credit or debit alerts anymore like I used to.” His sentiment reflects a broader concern about declining customer service standards.

In total, more than 4,700 comments have been recorded across various online reports, suggesting that these are not isolated incidents but part of a wider pattern of dissatisfaction among users.

Customers are now calling on Access Bank to address the recurring issues, improve transparency in its billing system, and restore the reliability of its alert services. As digital banking becomes more integral to daily life, users insist that financial institutions must prioritize trust, efficiency, and accountability.

As of press time, Access Bank has yet to issue an official response to the complaints.

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The announcements were made during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, where shareholders lauded the board and management for Access Holdings’ strong performance, resilience, and aggressive growth strategy.

Group Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, reflected on the group’s journey, highlighting that the next phase of growth is built on nine key focus areas informed by macroeconomic and industry trends.

“Our strategic expansion, which we term geological consolidation, is designed to unfold over the next 24 months. It’s a calculated move to entrench our presence and elevate our capacity in high-potential markets,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.

In a moment of national reflection, the chairman expressed gratitude to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), particularly Governor Olayemi Cardoso, for the “exceptional workmanship” driving economic reform and sector-wide improvement.

“The Governor’s purpose-driven leadership has made it easier to operate within the banking industry. We are grateful for the stability and forward-thinking policies coming out of the CBN,” he noted.

Aig-Imoukhuede also underscored the company’s commitment to long-term relevance: “We’re building a legacy institution—one that will endure not just for this generation, but for tens of generations.”

On performance, the chairman said Access Holdings raised N351 billion in 2024 through a landmark rights issue, becoming the first Nigerian bank to meet the CBN’s new minimum capital requirement of N500 billion, well ahead of the 2026 deadline.

“This capital raise significantly strengthened our balance sheet, raising shareholders’ funds to N3.76 trillion,” he said.

Financial highlights for 2024 showed gross earnings surged 88% year-on-year to N4.88 trillion from N2.59 trillion in 2023. Profit before tax also rose from N729 billion to N867 billion.

Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Bolaji Agbede, echoed the chairman’s optimism, affirming that Access Holdings is well-positioned for growth across its operations in 22 markets on four continents, including its non-banking subsidiaries in investment management and technology.

“We’re building inclusive future value that connects with people and adapts to an evolving global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and changing monetary policies,” Agbede said.

She added that the group remains committed to prudent investments, effective risk management, and deeper stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable value creation.

Access Holdings’ total assets grew by 177% over the last three years, while total deposits increased by 185%. Total dividend per share stood at N2.50, with a final dividend of N2.05 per share approved at the AGM.

The meeting not only celebrated impressive financial milestones but also reaffirmed the group’s vision of building a diversified financial powerhouse rooted in innovation, legacy, and strategic foresight.

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 In a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to sustainable finance and economic inclusion, Access Holdings PLC took center stage alongside global financial leaders at the 2025 United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Regional Roundtable on Sustainable Finance. Held in Marrakech, Morocco, from May 6–7, the event convened regulators, policymakers, and industry trailblazers from across Africa and the Middle East to chart a bold path toward a low-carbon, inclusive future.

Representing Access Holdings were three seasoned sustainability champions: Amaechi Okobi, Chief Brand and Communications Officer; Edmund Otaigbe, Group Head of Credit Administration, Governance & Project Monitoring; and Njideka Esomeju, Group Head of Products and Segments. These leaders brought rich insights from their work in aligning Access Holdings’ operations with global sustainability goals, particularly around climate finance, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.

In sessions packed with forward-looking dialogue, the Access team contributed to robust conversations around climate risk mitigation, nature-positive finance, and the just transition of real economy sectors. Central to their message was the importance of building financial frameworks that support vulnerable communities and small businesses, ensuring that the continent’s green transition leaves no one behind.

Highlights of the roundtable included strategic discussions on unlocking private capital for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leveraging regulatory reform to drive sustainable investment. The need to mobilize carbon finance and strengthen climate adaptation mechanisms also resonated strongly, especially given the region’s exposure to environmental shocks.

The Access Holdings delegation emphasized the role of African financial institutions as enablers of transformative growth, advocating for innovative product design, impact-driven lending, and data-led decision-making as keys to building economic resilience.

They joined prominent voices such as Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda, and Louise Gardiner of the IFC, in urging financial ecosystems to go beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible sustainability outcomes. The participation of regulators, including representatives from the Central Bank of Egypt and the Moroccan Capital Market Authority, underscored the vital alignment between policy and private sector ambition.

As the UNEP FI roundtable concluded, Access Holdings’ involvement marked not just a presence but a purpose-driven contribution to the global push for sustainable finance. The event served as a reflective milestone on the Group’s sustainability journey, reinforcing its vision of fostering a more inclusive, climate-resilient financial future for Africa and beyond.

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In one of the most heated online conversations in recent months, over 4,600 people took to social media platforms to express frustration over what they described as “unbearable” and “frequent” charges by Access Bank. The flood of comments revealed a widespread grievance among account holders who accused the bank of excessive deductions, unclear fees, and poor response from customer service.

The comments, sourced from platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Nairaland, paint a picture of growing dissatisfaction. Keywords like “bank charge,” “deduct money,” “Access Bank too much,” and “money disappear from account” trended across threads where customers shared personal stories of unexpected withdrawals from their accounts — often without alerts or explanations.

A user named Chinenye from Lagos wrote, “They deducted N450 three times in two days. When I asked, they said it was for ‘electronic maintenance fee.’ Maintenance for what? My money is disappearing monthly.” Another user, Sulaimon from Ilorin, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m scared to check my account balance. Every time, something goes missing — N15 here, N50 there. It adds up. Access Bank needs to explain.”

The uproar gained momentum when a financial influencer shared screenshots of deductions from his personal account and urged others to speak up. Within hours, the post garnered thousands of replies, opening a floodgate of similar experiences.

Many users alleged that Access Bank frequently deducts charges labeled “SMS Alert,” “e-levy,” “maintenance fee,” and “VAT” without clear notification or justification. While most agreed that banks are allowed to charge service fees, they emphasized that the lack of transparency was the real issue.

An advocacy group for financial rights, Consumers Against Unfair Banking, has since weighed in, calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to investigate what they described as “systematic fleecing of vulnerable customers.” According to their spokesperson, “The problem is not just Access Bank. But they seem to top the chart in public complaints lately. Over 4,600 comments in just days is not a coincidence — it’s a crisis of confidence.”

In response, Access Bank issued a short statement via its verified handle: “We take our customers’ concerns seriously. We encourage anyone experiencing unusual deductions to reach out via DM or our official support channels for investigation and resolution.”

However, many see this as insufficient, arguing that the bank should proactively review its charges and improve transparency.

This flashback stands as a reflection of deep-seated frustrations with digital banking practices in Nigeria, especially at a time when every naira counts in households battling inflation and rising living costs.

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