By Abdullahi Lukman
Access Bank PLC has formally integrated climate risk considerations into its governance structure, operational activities, and financial decision-making processes as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
Dr. Greg Jobome, the Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, announced these developments during the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, an event hosted by Lagos Business School.
He emphasized that climate change is now a standing agenda item at both the Board and Executive Management levels of the bank, with dedicated policies and systems designed to monitor and mitigate environmental impact.
“Our approach involves embedding climate risk across every facet of the bank’s activities,” Jobome said.
“We have implemented robust frameworks and initiatives to manage emissions, promote energy efficiency, and support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The bank has adopted the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) model to measure financed emissions and aligns its disclosures with international standards such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the recently introduced International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2.
To demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, Access Bank has installed over 974 solar-powered automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide, significantly reduced paper consumption by over 72 percent through process automation, and cut landfill waste at its headquarters by 50 percent through recycling programs.
In addition to operational changes, climate considerations have been integrated into the bank’s core financial decisions.
Credit approvals and capital expenditure now factor in environmental impact assessments, while the bank continues to develop and promote green financial products aimed at supporting renewable energy adoption and energy access.
These products include initiatives such as Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and mini-grid solutions, which are designed to foster energy transition and low-carbon economic growth in Nigeria.
“Access Bank’s climate risk journey is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to building a sustainable financial institution that supports Nigeria’s environmental goals,” Jobome stated.
The launch of the CGIN Chapter signals a growing recognition within Nigeria’s financial sector of the critical role climate governance plays in driving sustainable development and mitigating the risks associated with climate change.
