Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, on Thursday reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to addressing the financing needs of SMEs as well as improving services to customers.
Speaking at an exclusive SME roundtable in Abuja, the DMD said the goal of the bank was to ensure that small businesses are comfortable, by meeting their needs, and that “you can always reach us when you need us.”
The bank also urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of its loan products without the need for large collateral, offering up to N10–N50 million depending on business capacity.
The loan decisions are however, based on cash flow and transaction history rather than traditional collateral, and aimed to make financing easier, faster, and more inclusive for MSMEs.
Okoli said the bank was aware of the highly competitive environment it operates in, adding that “every bank has its strengths and weaknesses.”
She said, “For me, customers mean everything…we are nothing without you. We do not claim to know it all, and I would never say that we’ve perfected every aspect of customer service that would be taking you for granted.
“Instead, we choose to remain humble, acknowledge where we fall short, and work to make things right. So, I ask that we have open and honest conversations today even if they are uncomfortable.
“If there are areas we’re doing well, please let us know too your encouragement helps us sustain what works, even as we improve what doesn’t. We truly value your partnership and will never take you for granted.”
The Access Bank DMD noted that the bank recently completed its recapitalisation process and was among the first banks to do so and commended customers for their support, adding that the experience showed how emotionally invested its customers are with the bank.
She said the bank currently serves over 60 million customers, adding that this remained the largest customer base in the Nigerian banking industry.
She said to support its growing customer base, the bank is making major investments in technology adding that digitalisation remained the future of banking.
Olkoli said, “That’s why we’ve launched and expanded digital platforms like hydrogen and oxygen, as well as upgraded our core systems upgrades that many of you might not have even noticed because they were smooth and seamless.
“We’ve also expanded internationally, following the flow of business from our customers. Wherever your business takes you, we want Access Bank to be there to support you.
Our recent partnership with Mastercard has strengthened our payment systems, enabling transactions in over 170 countries making global payments faster and more secure.
“As we move forward, we’re entering a consolidation phase to strengthen our operations and deliver even better value to you.”
In her remarks, Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, said the bank values feedback to improve and customise SME support, reaffirming its dedication to empowering MSMEs through finance, education, and innovation.
She said SMEs remained true drivers of national and global economic growth, thus the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting them both financially and non-financially.
Olubitan said further urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of its loan products without the need for large collateral, offering up to ₦10–N50 million depending on business capacity.
She, however, stressed that the loan decisions are increasingly based on cash flow and transaction history rather than traditional collateral.
She explained that the goal was to make financing easier, faster, and more inclusive for MSMEs.
Olubitan also referenced the bank’s non-financial support to small businesses, particularly training, mentoring, and capacity-building programs for SMEs.
James Emejo
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