Ifeyinwa Osime Becomes Access Bank New Chairperson
The appointment of Ifeyinwa Osime as Access Bank new chairperson represents a major leadership milestone for Nigeria’s largest financial institution by assets. In an official regulatory filing released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Access Holdings Plc confirmed Osime’s elevation to chair the board of Access Bank Plc, its flagship commercial banking subsidiary.
She succeeds Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who formally retired on January 29, 2026 after completing his approved tenure. The transition comes at a critical moment as Access Bank strengthens its governance framework and advances its ambition of serving as Africa’s gateway to the global economy.
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede, CFR, described Osime as a principled and highly experienced leader with a deep understanding of the group’s long-term strategy and institutional culture. Industry observers view her emergence as a signal of continuity and stability, ensuring that the bank’s expansion, sustainability agenda, and digital transformation initiatives remain firmly on course under seasoned boardroom leadership.
Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime brings more than 30 years of cross sector experience spanning law, insurance, and corporate governance. She is a graduate of the University of Benin and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. Her academic credentials include a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics. She has also completed executive education programs at several world renowned institutions, including Harvard Business School, INSEAD, IMD, MIT, and Stanford, further strengthening her expertise in leadership and strategic management.
Prior to her historic appointment, Osime had already become a central figure on the Access Bank board. She joined the board as an Independent Non Executive Director in November 2019 and played a key role in strengthening the bank’s governance architecture. During her tenure, she served as Chair of the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, where she drove workforce development initiatives and advanced environmental, social, and governance standards.
She also chaired the Board Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee, overseeing leadership succession, board effectiveness, and executive compensation frameworks. In addition, she was a member of the Board Audit and Credit Committees, contributing to oversight on financial reporting, risk management, and credit policy.
Beyond Access Bank, Osime is a Partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners and a Director at Ebudo Trust Limited. Her board experience extends across the financial services sector, having previously served as an Independent Non Executive Director at Coronation Insurance Plc and as Board Chairman of Coronation Life Insurance Company Limited. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation and African Development Insurance Company, now NSIA Insurance, where she served as Company Secretary and Assistant General Manager.
Osime is also widely respected for her contributions beyond the corporate space. She is actively involved with the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria. As a member of Women Corporate Directors Nigeria, she is regarded as a strong advocate and mentor for women aspiring to leadership positions in corporate Nigeria.
As chairperson, Osime is expected to guide Access Bank through its next growth phase, with a focus on regional integration, cross border synergies, and the adoption of advanced financial technologies. This responsibility comes on the back of Access Bank’s recent recognition as Nigeria’s Bank of the Year 2025 in London, raising expectations for sustained performance amid increasingly complex regulatory environments across multiple international markets.
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The outgoing chairman, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, was commended for his exemplary leadership and foundational contributions that helped position the bank for long term success. With Ifeyinwa Osime now assuming the role, Access Holdings has signaled a clear commitment to experience, strong governance, and institutional integrity as it navigates an increasingly competitive global financial landscape.
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