Access Holdings Plc has recorded another milestone performance, announcing a remarkable ₦3.9 trillion gross earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 — a 14.1% rise year-on-year from ₦3.4 trillion posted in the corresponding period of 2024.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Access Holdings Plc has recorded another milestone performance, announcing a remarkable ₦3.9 trillion gross earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 — a 14.1% rise year-on-year from ₦3.4 trillion posted in the corresponding period of 2024.
According to the Group, the result underscores the “resilience and strength of its diversified earnings base,” as well as consistent performance across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.
In a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, Access Holdings noted that the impressive outing was driven by “sustained growth in both interest income and fees and commission,” adding that its gross earnings also surged by 56.2% quarter-on-quarter, from ₦2.5 trillion recorded in the first half of 2025.
“Our disciplined risk management approach and strategic focus on higher-yielding, quality assets continue to strengthen portfolio returns and sustain profitability,” the statement read.
Interest income rose by 21.1% year-on-year to ₦2.9 trillion in Q3 2025, compared to ₦2.4 trillion in Q3 2024, while net interest income grew by 48.9% to ₦1.3 trillion from ₦845 billion in the same period. Similarly, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, interest income and net interest income advanced by 42.1% and 27.8% respectively.
The Group also recorded strong gains in non-interest revenue, with net fee and commission income rising by 44.3% to ₦476 billion from ₦330 billion in Q3 2024, reflecting what it described as “higher transaction volumes and increased customer activity across digital and payment channels.”
While total non-interest income dipped slightly by 8.1% to ₦872 billion, operating income rose 18.8% to ₦2.13 trillion, reflecting what the Group termed “the underlying strength of its core operations.”
Access Holdings disclosed that impairments on loans increased by 141.5% to ₦350 billion from ₦145 billion in Q3 2024, even as operating expenses grew modestly by 6.7% to ₦1.2 trillion. Nonetheless, its cost-to-income ratio (CIR) improved significantly to 54.6% from 60.8%, “as revenue growth continues to outpace operating costs.”
“We expect cost-to-income ratio to remain moderated from ongoing efficiency initiatives, cost optimization measures, and stronger revenue across the Group,” the statement added.
Profit before tax (PBT) stood at ₦616 billion, representing a 10.4% increase from ₦558 billion recorded a year earlier. Profit after tax (PAT) closed at ₦447 billion compared to ₦458 billion in Q3 2024.
Quarter-on-quarter, profitability showed remarkable resilience as PBT surged by 91.9% from ₦321 billion in H1 2025, while PAT jumped by 107.9% from ₦215 billion recorded as at H1 2025.
The Group’s balance sheet also strengthened during the period, with total assets climbing 25.8% to ₦52.0 trillion from ₦41.5 trillion in FY 2024. Customer deposits rose by an impressive 47.0% to ₦33.1 trillion, while loans and advances grew 19.7% to ₦15.6 trillion.
Access Holdings further highlighted that its non-Nigerian subsidiaries contributed over 50% of consolidated results, demonstrating the benefits of its diversification strategy.
“Our African subsidiaries continue to deliver strong growth across key metrics, offsetting the macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary pressures affecting domestic operations,” the Group stated.
The company’s return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 15.4%, compared to 22.2% in Q3 2024, while return on average assets (ROAA) moderated to 1.3% from 1.8% over the same period.
Reaffirming its outlook, Access Holdings assured stakeholders that it will continue to strengthen its franchise across all markets, deepen operational resilience, and deliver sustainable long-term value.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on unlocking synergies across our ecosystem, driving cross-border collaboration, and creating value for all stakeholders,” the statement concluded.