Zenith Bank Plc has once again affirmed its dominance in Nigeria’s banking sector by emerging as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year.
This was revealed in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks’ Rankings published by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group, UK.
According to the July 2025 edition of the report, Zenith Bank is now ranked 581st globally, with a Tier-1 Capital of $2 billion, based on its 2024 year-end results. Tier-1 Capital is a crucial measure of a bank’s financial strength, comprising core equity capital, retained earnings, and disclosed reserves.
Speaking on the achievement, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed joy at the consistent recognition.
“This reflects our robust financial performance, strong governance, and unwavering commitment to delivering superior value to our stakeholders,” she said.
She credited the bank’s success to the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairman Jim Ovia, CFR, and extended appreciation to customers, the Board, and staff.
Zenith Bank’s 2024 audited financials show stellar growth:
Gross earnings rose 86% from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to ₦3.97 trillion.
Interest income grew by 138%, driven by investment in government securities and loan book expansion.
Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 67% to ₦1.3 trillion.
Dividend payout hit a record ₦195.67 billion, translating to ₦5.00 per share.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance has earned it multiple prestigious awards, including:
Bank of the Year (Nigeria) – The Banker (2020, 2022, 2024)
Best Bank in Nigeria – Global Finance (2020–2022, 2024, 2025)
Best Digital Bank – Euromoney (2023)
Best Commercial Bank – World Finance (2021–2024)
Most Sustainable Bank – International Banker (2023, 2024)
Best in Corporate Governance – Ethical Boardroom (2020–2023)
Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria – The Banker (2020, 2021)
Bank of the Year – BusinessDay BAFI Awards (2023, 2024)
Best in MSME Trade Finance – Nairametrics (2023)
Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year – Nairametrics Capital Market Awards (2025)
Most Responsible Organisation in Africa – SERAS CSR Awards Africa (2024)
Zenith Bank’s reputation for innovation, excellence, sustainability, and strong governance continues to solidify its standing as Nigeria’s banking leader and a notable player on the global financial stage.
