Access Bank Reaffirms Commitment to SME Growth at Abuja Roundtable 

Access Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to small and medium-scale enterprises in an exclusive event organised in Abuja. The Bank explored discussion that focused on strengthening relationships and addressing real business concerns.The event, titled “An Exclusive Roundtable with Chizoma Okoli,” took place on Thursday, at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

It was a classy and well-coordinated session that reflected Access Bank’s deep commitment to supporting small businesses, that exist as the real drivers of Nigeria’s economy. The Bank’s Group Head, Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oge Kasie Nwachukwu, welcomed the guests and set the tone for the afternoon. Calm and eloquent, she emphasized the importance of customer feedback in shaping the Bank’s growth.

The Bank’s Deputy Managing Director (Retail South), Chizoma Okoli addressed the customers reeling out the reason for the event. “We are here today for you, to listen, to engage, and to learn how we can serve you better,” Mrs. Okoli said, drawing a round of applause from the audience. Discussions at the event were centered on customers’ experiences and requests in areas such as technology downtimes, loan collateral requirements, delays in loan processing, and the need for more accessible funding opportunities.

Mr. Bala Muhammed, a public health consultant, appreciated the Bank’s long term support but appealed for more flexible loan requirements. Similarly, Mrs. Ifeoma Grace Okoye, who is an SME business owner commended Access Bank’s customer-support value system. Mrs. Okoye however encouraged more initiatives to keep SMEs afloat in a competitive business environment like Nigeria.

In response, the deputy managing director addressed each concern with transparency and peculiarities. She explained that Access Bank is currently undergoing major technology upgrades to improve transaction speed and reliability. On loans, the deputy managing director clarified that certain conditions are tied to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations but assured customers that the Bank would look into creating softer landing options to make credit more accessible.

“We are here because of you. We cannot claim to know it all, and we are humble enough to acknowledge our gaps. What matters is that we keep improving for your sake,” she said with sincerity.

The deputy managing director fervently promised to address concerns about staff attitudes and internal processes, noting that training and reorientation are ongoing to ensure a better customer experience in the Bank. The Group Head of SME Banking, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Abiodun Olubitan, further enlightened customers on new and flexible banking products, including a collateral free SME loan, designed to ease access to finance. She heralded success stories from business owners who had already benefited from the bank’s value-based initiatives.

Mrs. Oge Kasie Nwachukwu, assured the customers on conpicous improvement on communication between the Bank and its customers, assuring that Access Bank would step up its information dissemination efforts and sponsorship so customers can fully take advantage of available opportunities.

Mr. Lolu Adewalure appreciated the Bank’s consistency in supporting businesses, while calling for more tech driven solutions to ensure smoother transactions. Other customers who spoke at the event praised Access Bank for empowering women-led businesses and for providing real value through its innovative loan and savings programs to its customers generally.

The event was extended beyond its scheduled time to ensure that all complaints, questions and feedbacks were entertained. Customers left feeling heard, valued, and appreciated. Many expressed confidence that the Bank’s leadership would follow through on its promises.