Access Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2008

Reviewer: Chris Olisa

Access Bank known for its constant doggedness in financial standard has delved into corporate social responsibility, which it takes to heart seriously. During the year under review they instituted an employee volunteering policy, which guides employee community activities. The bank also took a bold step in reducing their carbon  emission, energy consumption and waste.

According to the group chairman’s statement: “By supporting the society’s important activities, it is our responsibility to constantly selectively and effectively respond to the needs of our society as we execute community investment initiative while encouraging members of staff to volunteer their time and energy for local charitable causes and initiatives. We also have zero tolerance for corruption”.

Employment and skill development form part of what the bank holds dearly, it strives to always give back to the host community by creating employment opportunities for the locals. Not only does it employ youths, the bank trains them to acquire competence in banking.

HIV and AIDS is not only a significant but sensitive public health issue. With global statistics indicating that around 68.8% of people living with H.I.V are sub Saharan Africans. The bank supports employees that are HIV positive or are otherwise affected by HIV/ AIDS. They are highly committed to addressing this deadly pandemic, in addition to malaria, typhoid fever and all health issues at large.

On education, the bank ensures that it keeps the dreams of students alive by being there for them. Many schools have benefited immensely from their benevolence as their altruistic deeds have seen many schools that were hitherto dead being brought back to life. Prominent among the many schools that have been renovated are Ladipo Primary School, situated at Mushin. It was not just renovated but was provided with furniture too. Haliru Rijia Model Primary School, Guwa, Sokoto State was in a deplorable condition until the bank moved in. Garki Model Primary School was a no go area but they were rescued by the bank.

Still on education, the bank is in partnership with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The 10 year deal ensures the promotion of government programs on education through a national essay competition.

The bank also supports arts and culture by creating platforms for the identification and exposure of young and promising talents through the sponsorship of exhibitions, competitions and patronage of artworks . A case study is the BONHAMS U.K. INAUGURAL AUCTION OF AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY ART, which took place this year in the United Kingdom.

In the area of environmental sustainability, the bank’s effort is to leverage on promotion of responsible environmental stewardship and responsible development by engaging in fair ethical practices as a way of integrating environmentally sustainable developmental tenets in all spheres of the bank’s operation.

The bank has developed Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) policy which informs its financing their activities. This is to ensure that all the bank does comply with the laid down rules and regulations on local and international standards.

The bank identifies with sports is a unifying factor that brings all people together and for this reason it is fully committed to sports, using this as a channel for societal development . The bank supports sporting activities that generate and enhance national pride for citizens. The bank also embarks on initiatives that contribute to sustainable sports developments thereby creating the capacity for sports to provide employment for able bodied youths, consequently attracting national glory.

As a responsible corporate entity, the bank takes part in sport by sponsoring major domestic and international events, provision of sporting kit and equipment to relevant sporting teams and environments for sports academies. Access Bank is committed to a four year partnership to sponsor the Chucker Polo tournament starting from 2008. The tournament was inaugurated by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu, Kabir Usman the late Emir of Katsina as a platform to raise funds and support Nigerian charities , especially those involved in the welfare of children.