Zenith Bank Plc has once again emerged as Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital, maintaining its leadership position for the 16th consecutive year. This prestigious ranking was confirmed in the 2025 edition of the Top 1000 World Banks rankings, published by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group, UK.
In the global ranking, Zenith Bank was placed 581st with a Tier-1 Capital base of $2 billion, affirming its position as the leading financial institution in Nigeria. The ranking, which evaluates banks based on year-end 2024 Tier-1 capital, is widely regarded as the industry benchmark for measuring the strength and stability of financial institutions around the world.
Tier-1 Capital refers to a bank’s core equity capital and is a key indicator of its financial strength from a regulatory standpoint. It includes common equity, disclosed reserves, retained earnings, and minority interests. A strong Tier-1 Capital base enables banks to absorb losses and continue operating during times of financial stress, thus boosting investor and depositor confidence.
Commenting on the recognition, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, expressed gratitude and pride in the bank’s enduring success. “We are thrilled to have retained our position once again as Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year,” she said. “This achievement is a testament to our robust financial performance, effective risk management, and commitment to delivering superior value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Dr. Umeoji extended her appreciation to the bank’s founder and chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, for his visionary leadership and dedication to building a resilient and high-performing institution. She also thanked the board of directors for their strong governance oversight, the loyal customers for their continued support, and the entire Zenith Bank staff for their hard work and consistency.
According to the audited financial results for the 2024 fiscal year, Zenith Bank posted significant growth across key financial indicators. Gross earnings rose by 86%, increasing from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to ₦3.97 trillion in 2024. This surge was driven by a 138% increase in interest income, largely due to strategic investments in high-yield government securities and a growing loan portfolio.
The bank also recorded a 67% increase in profit before tax, rising from ₦796 billion in 2023 to ₦1.3 trillion in 2024. In recognition of this strong performance, the bank declared a total dividend payout of ₦195.67 billion, representing ₦5.00 per share for the 2024 financial year.
Zenith Bank’s consistent performance and dominance in the industry further reinforce its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most trusted and stable financial institutions. With a solid capital base, effective leadership, and a commitment to innovation, the bank is well-positioned to continue leading the banking sector while expanding its presence on the global financial stage.