Access Bank gets CBN recognition for sustainability

Access Bank Plc says it was recently named the most sustainable bank in Nigeria for the third consecutive time at the 2019 Central Bank of Nigeria Sustainability Awards.

The bank said in a statement that it was also awarded first position in other categories such as the ‘Most Sustainable Transaction of the Year in Agriculture’ and the ‘Most Sustainable Transaction of the Year in Oil and Gas’.

The CBN said the sustainability awards recognised and rewarded sustainability performance, especially with respect to the effective implementation of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles.

It noted that the awards acknowledged the efforts of financial service providers operating in Nigeria, who have been able to successfully integrate social and environmental considerations into their business operations and activities in the year under review.

The Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, described the awards as a testament to the bank’s sustainability commitment.

He said, “Our vision is to be the world’s most respected African Bank and sustainability is critical to our achieving this.”

The Head of Sustainability, Access Bank, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, said, “In our determined effort to offer more than banking, we will continue to set the standards for responsible business practices and demonstrate corporate brand commitment to addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

“Access Bank has pioneered many innovative sustainability initiatives, some of which include the establishment of the first-ever disability-friendly inclusion hub to promote the access of persons with disabilities to Information Technology skills and opportunities – in partnership with Project Enable.

“We have also created a digital, toll-free platform to address gender violence – in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative and sponsored the upcycling of waste and recycling of paper to pencils, among many others.”