Accion Microfinance Bank has served over 500,000 customers during its two decades of operation. The institution has disbursed more than N350 billion in loans across Nigeria.
The bank made this disclosure at its 20th anniversary press conference in Lagos on May 18. Board members and senior executives used the occasion to review the lender's trajectory and future direction.
Taiwo Joda, the managing director, explained the bank's founding mission. It was created to serve millions of Nigerians shut out by traditional banking systems.
"In the last 20 years, we have impacted over 500,000 customers and disbursed more than ₦350bn," Joda told reporters. The bank focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises that bigger lenders avoid.
According to him, many entrepreneurs lack any banking relationship at all. Others struggle to access credit due to collateral requirements they cannot meet.
Joda noted the bank's resilience during difficult economic periods. Inflation, currency fluctuations, and the COVID-19 pandemic tested the institution's resolve.
"One of the best ways to manage inflation is to ensure businesses generate enough revenue and profit to survive economic pressure," he said. Supporting viable enterprises remains core to the bank's strategy.
Christian Ruehmer, chairman of the board, reflected on the institution's origins. Two decades ago, hardworking Nigerians with legitimate businesses were considered too risky by mainstream banks.
"That same commitment from 20 years ago still drives us today," Ruehmer noted. Women entrepreneurs and young business owners remain priority customers for the lender.
Responsible lending practices distinguish Accion from competitors. Kazeem Bisiriyu, the chief risk officer, emphasised this approach during the event.
"We do not just give loans," Bisiriyu explained to gathered journalists. The bank educates customers, examines their cash flow, and matches loan sizes to actual repayment capacity.
Repayment rates at the institution exceed 95 percent consistently. Some loan portfolios have achieved repayment levels as high as 99.5 percent.
When customers face genuine difficulties, the bank works with them rather than deploying aggressive tactics. "If someone cannot pay because of economic conditions, we engage them and work out practical solutions," Bisiriyu said.
Technology has become increasingly important to Accion's operations. Ayodeji Mebude, group head of operations, highlighted these developments at the conference.
Digital platforms now enable customers to access services remotely across Nigeria. Onboarding, account opening, and transactions can all be completed via mobile channels.
"Technology has improved service delivery, strengthened connectivity between customers and bankers, and helped us scale faster," Mebude told reporters. The bank continues investing in its digital infrastructure to serve more Nigerians.
Physical branches still play a role despite rising digital adoption. The bank maintains a presence in communities where connectivity remains limited.
Looking ahead, Accion plans to expand its reach further. The lender remains committed to closing Nigeria's financial inclusion gap.
