Zenith Bank doubles dividend after N1.2trn PBT, strengthens grip as Nigeria’s banking leader

For Zenith Bank PLC, 2025 was a year of disciplined execution, strategic growth, and tangible rewards for shareholders.

The bank’s audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, show why it continues to dominate Nigeria’s banking landscape, with a Profit Before Tax of N1.26 trillion and a proposed dividend of N10 per share, twice what it paid in 2024.

The bank’s performance reflects a careful balancing act: expanding its operations while cleaning up legacy exposures. Gross earnings rose to N4.19 trillion, up 6% from 2024, driven by a 35% surge in interest income to N3.7 trillion.

Net interest income also jumped 53% to N2.6 trillion, demonstrating Zenith’s ability to maintain strong spreads between asset yields and funding costs.

Despite a slight 5% dip in Profit Before Tax due to a bold write-off of regulatory-forbearance facilities, Profit After Tax grew slightly to N1.04 trillion, translating to an Earnings Per Share of N25.32.

Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, credited the results to strategic focus. “We strengthened our asset quality, optimized our balance sheet, and invested in the capabilities that will drive our next phase of growth,” she said.

Customer confidence in the bank remains high, with deposits increasing 11% to N24 trillion, while gross loans rose to N11 trillion, reflecting the bank’s commitment to growth while maintaining asset quality. Zenith’s Non-Performing Loan ratio improved to 3.8%, and the bank maintained robust coverage at 173%.

The bank’s profitability ratios underscore its financial health, with a Return on Average Equity of 23.2%, Return on Average Assets of 3.4%, and Net Interest Margin of 13.7%. Capital and liquidity remain strong, with CAR at 25% and liquidity at 71%, comfortably above regulatory requirements.

In recognition of its outstanding performance, Zenith’s board has recommended a final dividend of N8.75 per share, bringing total dividends for 2025 to N10 per share, a 100% increase from 2024, rewarding shareholders handsomely.

Dr. Umeoji emphasized the bank’s forward-looking strategy: “2025 was a year of purposeful execution. We are entering 2026 as a stronger, more resilient institution, ready to support our customers in capturing emerging opportunities and building scale.”