Zenith Bank’s capital ranking confirms top spot in Nigeria for 16th year, backed by $2bn Tier-1 capital and solid financial performance in 2024

Zenith Bank’s capital ranking has once again placed the institution at the summit of Nigeria’s banking sector. For the 16th consecutive year, Zenith Bank Plc retained its position as the number one bank in the country by Tier-1 Capital.

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The recognition comes from the 2025 edition of the Top 1000 World Banks’ Rankings published by The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom.

The latest edition of the rankings lists Zenith Bank as the 581st bank globally. Its Tier-1 Capital stands at an impressive $2 billion, measured as of the end of 2024.

This continued success underlines the bank’s enduring financial strength and resilience in a competitive and evolving industry.

Tier-1 Capital is widely regarded as a critical measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulatory point of view.

It includes loss-absorbing capital such as common equity, retained earnings, and other disclosed reserves.

The capital base is fundamental in protecting depositors and maintaining confidence in financial systems.

According to global banking standards, Tier-1 Capital must be robust to reflect a bank’s ability to absorb financial shocks.

Dr Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, praised the institution’s consistent performance.

“We are thrilled to have retained our position yet again as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year. This achievement is a reflection of the bank’s robust financial performance, prudent risk management, and steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Dr Umeoji also paid tribute to Jim Ovia, the bank’s founder and chairman, acknowledging his pivotal leadership role.

She added, “His visionary and transformative leadership has helped build a resilient and thriving institution over the years.”

She expressed gratitude to customers, the Board, and staff.

“We sincerely thank our esteemed customers for their continued loyalty to the Zenith brand, our Board for its commitment to sound corporate governance, and our team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the bank’s ongoing success.”

Zenith Bank’s audited financial results for the year ending December 2024 back this recognition with solid figures.

The bank posted a remarkable 86 per cent growth in gross earnings, which rose from ₦2.13 trillion in 2023 to ₦3.97 trillion in 2024.

This was driven primarily by a 138 per cent increase in interest income, spurred by strategic investments in high-yield government securities and a growing loan book.

In terms of profitability, Zenith Bank reported a 67 per cent surge in profit before tax, reaching ₦1.3 trillion in 2024, compared to ₦796 billion in the previous year.

This stellar performance culminated in a total dividend payout of ₦195.67 billion, translating to ₦5.00 per ordinary share.

The achievement marks not only financial success but also regulatory and investor confidence in Zenith Bank’s operating model.

A strong Tier-1 capital position signals that the bank is well-capitalised and prepared for long-term growth in an increasingly dynamic financial environment.

Zenith Bank’s continued dominance reinforces Nigeria’s presence on the global banking map.

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It also exemplifies how consistent leadership, sound financial management, and customer-focused strategy can sustain a bank’s position at the top of its market.