Zenith Bank Reigns Supreme: Nigeria's Number One Bank for 16th Consecutive Year
Zenith Bank Plc has solidified its status as Nigeria's leading financial institution, securing the coveted position of number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for an unprecedented sixteenth consecutive year. This landmark achievement was unveiled in the prestigious 2025 Top 1000 World Banks' Rankings, a definitive publication by The Banker, a subsidiary of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom.
The consistent top ranking underscores Zenith Bank's formidable financial health, astute strategic management, and remarkable resilience within Nigeria's dynamic economic landscape. Globally, the bank holds a significant position at 581st, showcasing its growing influence on the international financial stage.
Zenith Bank's Tier-1 Capital, a crucial measure of a bank's financial strength and capacity to absorb losses, stands at an impressive $2 billion as of year-end 2024. This robust capital base, which includes common stock, disclosed reserves, and retained earnings, instills profound confidence in both investors and depositors.
The bank's exceptional financial performance for the 2024 fiscal year further validates its leading position. It recorded a staggering 86% growth in Gross Earnings, soaring from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to a monumental ₦3.97 trillion in 2024. Interest Income witnessed a massive 138% increase, fueled by strategic investments and a substantial expansion of its loan portfolio. Consequently, Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged by a sharp 67%, climbing from ₦796 billion in 2023 to an impressive ₦1.3 trillion in 2024. Shareholders were rewarded with a record dividend payout of ₦195.67 billion, or ₦5.00 per ordinary share.
Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, expressed immense pride in the achievement, attributing it to "the bank's robust financial performance, prudent risk management and steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders." She also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia.
This sustained excellence has garnered Zenith Bank a plethora of esteemed accolades, including multiple "Bank of the Year (Nigeria)" awards from The Banker, "Best Bank in Nigeria" from Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards, and "Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria" from Euromoney. The bank was also listed among the Top 100 Global Companies by World Finance in 2023 and recently received the 'Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year' at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025. This string of awards solidifies Zenith Bank's dominant leadership in Nigeria's banking sector and its expanding global footprint.
