By Ayomide Otitoju
Zenith Bank Plc has been ranked Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year, according to the 2025 edition of The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks, published by the Financial Times Group. The bank was placed 581st globally with a Tier-1 Capital of $2 billion.
The rankings, released in the July 2025 issue, are based on the 2024 year-end Tier-1 Capital of banks—a critical indicator of financial strength used by international financial institutions and regulators.
Reacting to the development, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the recognition as a testament to the bank’s strong financial performance, disciplined risk management, and unwavering customer focus.
“We are thrilled to retain our position as Nigeria’s leading bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year. This milestone reflects our resilience and dedication to value creation,” Umeoji said.
She credited the bank’s founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership, and also acknowledged the contributions of the board, staff, and loyal customers to the bank’s sustained success.
Tier-1 Capital, as defined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), includes core equity capital such as common stock, disclosed reserves, and retained earnings. A strong Tier-1 ratio signals a bank’s financial soundness and enhances stakeholder confidence.
Zenith Bank’s audited 2024 financials showed significant growth, with gross earnings climbing 86% to ₦3.97 trillion, up from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023. Interest income surged by 138%, driven by investments in high-yield government securities and an expanded loan portfolio. Profit before tax rose 67% to ₦1.3 trillion from ₦796 billion the previous year. The bank declared a record dividend payout of ₦195.67 billion at ₦5.00 per share.
The bank’s consistent performance has garnered numerous accolades, including “Bank of the Year (Nigeria)” by The Banker in 2020, 2022, and 2024, and “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance for 2020–2022, 2024, and 2025. It was also honoured as “Best Bank for Digital Solutions” in 2023 by Euromoney, and featured in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies list in 2023.
Zenith has also received multiple corporate governance and sustainability recognitions, including “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” (2023, 2024), “Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria” (2022–2024), and “Best in Corporate Governance – Financial Services, Africa” (2020–2023).
The bank’s other recent honours include “Bank of the Year” by ThisDay and New Telegraph in 2024, “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa” by SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024, and “Best in MSME Trade Finance” by Nairametrics. Its hybrid offer was named “Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year” at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.
Zenith Bank’s continued leadership affirms its commitment to innovation, sound governance, and sustainable banking practices in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
