By Ayomide Otitoju
Despite ongoing media reports surrounding a Supreme Court ruling involving defunct FSB International Bank and Sagecom Concepts Limited, in which Fidelity Bank Plc is named as a judgment debtor, legal experts caution that the matter remains sub judice, with a court order restricting public commentary.
While some outlets have raised questions about the bank’s ability to meet the court’s financial directive, Fidelity Bank has maintained its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most financially resilient institutions.
The bank recently rejoined the elite N1 trillion market capitalization club and reported a 167.8% year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching ₦105.8 billion in Q1 2025. Its gross earnings surged to ₦315.4 billion, while total deposits climbed to ₦6.6 trillion, bolstered by a 21.4% increase in foreign currency holdings.
Investor confidence remains robust, with Fidelity Bank’s recent capital raise oversubscribed by 237%. Analysts project that the bank’s gross earnings could reach ₦1.5 trillion in 2025, with PBT expected at ₦415.4 billion.
The bank is also on track to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ₦500 billion recapitalization directive, underscoring its strong regulatory compliance and financial stability.
Fidelity Bank continues to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through initiatives such as its SME Hub, which fosters job creation and economic development. Its liquidity ratio stood at 54.7% and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 20.3% in Q1 2025, both well above regulatory requirements.
The bank’s acquisition of Union Bank UK in 2023 marked a significant step in its international expansion strategy, allowing it to diversify its customer base and enhance global service delivery.
Legal experts note that enforcement of large financial judgments typically occurs through structured payments, ensuring institutional stability while complying with court mandates.
In summary, Fidelity Bank’s strong fundamentals, regulatory track record, and strategic direction reinforce its status as a systemically important institution in Nigeria’s banking landscape.
