Access Bank Empowers 74,000 Banking Agents

By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel

In line with its aim to grow access to finance and banking services to millions of previously unbanked and underbanked Nigerians, Access Bank Plc has empowered 74,000 Access Closa agents across the country.

The Access Closa Agents, which was launched last year, now has over 70,000 agent locations spread across the 774 local governments in the country to provide basic financial services to Nigerians such as cash withdrawals, cash deposits, bill payments, and account opening.

According to the Head, Agency Banking, Access Bank Plc, Mr Tolulope Oyeyipo, these banking agents serve as channels through which customers can access convenient and safe banking services irrespective of where they are.

He also added that the agent network takes away the need to always visit the bank as it also provides alternate streams of income for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while promoting financial literacy.

“With over 70,000 agent locations spread across every neighbourhood in the country, we are making sure our customers and indeed customers of other banks can enjoy seamless banking services close to where they live and work, in a safe and convenient manner.

“By offering basic financial services such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, bill payments, and account opening, our continuously growing agent network is increasingly making the need to visit a bank branch unnecessary for everyone.

“We are committed to being at the forefront of providing digital financial services in Nigeria,” Mr Oyeyipo said.

He also noted that the bank leverages technology such as advanced analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics process automation to redefine banking solutions to its customers, pointing out that Access Closa agents can be found within communities when tagged on Google Maps through internet-connected devices.

With the recent mapping of over 70,000 agents, the Senior Banking Advisor, Retail, Access Bank Plc, Mr Robert Giles, said that the exponential growth of Access Bank’s agent network was part of the bank’s promise to ensure easier and safer access to financial services for every Nigerian.

According to him, Access Bank is committed to delivering better outcomes for customers in terms of speed, security, and service.