Access Bank PLC has stated that climate considerations are integrated into its credit approvals, capital expenditure planning, and the development of green financial products.

The Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, Dr. Greg Jobome, said these include offerings like Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and mini-grid solutions targeted at supporting energy transition and low-carbon growth.

Speaking at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, hosted by Lagos Business School, Jobome, emphasised the Bank’s pioneering role in integrating sustainability into its business model and its inspiring leadership within Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

In his presentation, Jobome provided a comprehensive overview of how Access Bank has embedded climate risk considerations across its governance structure, operations, and financial decision-making processes.

He noted that climate change is a standing agenda item at both Board and Executive Management levels, with dedicated policies and systems in place to monitor and manage its impact.

He said the Bank has implemented a range of climate-focused initiatives including the measurement and reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and adoption of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) model for financed emissions.

Jobome also noted the application of global reporting frameworks such as Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the recently launched International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) S1 and S2 standards.

He said the Sustainable Finance Accelerator programme has supported numerous businesses in the climate space, providing funding, capacity building, and technical assistance.

According to him, the bank has also reached over 63 million lives through social investments. He said Access Bank has also issued Green and Sustainability Bonds and is the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative.

Jobome further noted that over the years, the Bank has received several recognitions including the World Finance Award for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria (12 consecutive times), 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,” Jobome said.

Speaking on the Bank’s journey in building a sustainable organisation and leading the Nigerian corporate landscape has been truly inspiring, Jobome emphasised its proactive stance, deep expertise, and results-driven implementation that made it a model for other financial institutions in Nigeria and across Africa.