Nigerian financial instutition Access Bank Plc. will be focusing on the SMEs through a series of initiatives that will aid development across key sectors of the economy, the bank’s Group Managing Director (GMD), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has said.

According to Aig-imokhuede, the bank has identified 13 critical segments of the economy which are already benefiting from its empowerment programme, and has also created a full division (Business Banking) to support the needs of the SME sector in Nigeria.

Access Bank also intends to launch an initiative that will allow Nigerian youths own a company.

“If for example, you want to link all the balances with all your accounts, say ten bank accounts, in those banks people are paying money for say sale of newspaper and everyday you want to leave a balance of only N1 million [$6, 114] in those bank accounts, you can move any amount over N1 million to your major account,” Aig-imokhuede explained.

“You can do that, because the bank is going to launch a solution that will allow you in 60 days time, from your computer take money out of all your bank account and consolidate in one without paying an extra fee,” the GMD added.

Meanwhile, Aig-Imokhuede said the bank will emphasise on pioneering role in sustainability and public advocacy with the adoption of sustainable banking principles in Nigeria and beyond.

“The bank is in pursuit of health-focused Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and also building capacity in public sector for effective public policy outcomes.

“What our plan says is that by 2015, we are going to be the world’s most respected African bank, a multi channel bank,” he added.