Zenith Bank Plc has reported a 16% year-on-year rise in gross earnings, reaching ₦3.4 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.9 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.
According to the unaudited financial statement submitted to the Nigerian Exchange, the performance reflects the Group’s resilience and disciplined execution in a period marked by inflation, tight monetary policy, and foreign exchange volatility.
The growth was mainly driven by a 41% increase in interest income, which rose to ₦2.7 trillion, supported by higher yields on assets and an expanded investment portfolio.
Although interest expense grew by 22% to ₦814 billion due to the tightening cycle of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank maintained a healthy Net Interest Margin of 12%, up from 10% last year.
Non-interest income, however, declined by 38% to ₦535 billion, largely due to a 60% fall in trading gains.
Despite that, profitability remained strong, with profit before tax standing at ₦917 billion and profit after tax at ₦764 billion — an 8% decline from ₦1 trillion and ₦830 billion recorded last year.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) came in at ₦18.60, compared to ₦26.34 in 2024, as the bank adopted stricter measures to strengthen its loan book and reduce exposure to high-risk assets.
Steady Growth in Assets and Deposits
Zenith Bank’s total assets increased by 4%, from ₦30 trillion in December 2024 to ₦31 trillion as of September 2025. The rise was supported by customer deposits, which grew by 8% to ₦23.7 trillion.
Gross loans declined by 9% to ₦10 trillion following targeted write-offs of non-performing accounts, improving the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio to 3%. This demonstrates a stronger balance sheet and prudent risk management approach.
The bank recorded a Return on Average Equity (ROAE) of 23.3% and a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 3.3%. The cost of funds increased to 4.5%, reflecting the broader high-interest rate environment, while the cost-to-income ratio rose to 45%.
Despite these pressures, the liquidity ratio and coverage ratio remain robust at 53% and 211.1%, comfortably above regulatory requirements.
Umeoji: “Zenith Bank Is Built for Sustainable Growth”
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, described the results as a testament to the strength of the Zenith brand and its adaptive strategy.
“This performance reflects the resilience of our people and the result-driven strategy of the Group,” she said. “We have fortified our capital base, improved asset quality, and are well positioned for sustainable and profitable growth.”
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, Umeoji expressed optimism that the bank’s digital transformation strategy will drive continued growth. “Our focus on innovation and client-centric solutions positions us to capitalize on emerging opportunities while maintaining disciplined execution,” she added.
She assured shareholders that the bank’s robust capital and liquidity positions would continue to deliver long-term value. “We’re well placed to sustain this momentum and uphold our leadership in Nigeria’s banking industry,” she said.
Recognized for Excellence
Zenith Bank’s performance continues to earn it global recognition. The lender was recently ranked Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks 2025 list.
It was also named Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and received Bank of the Year (Nigeria) awards from The Banker in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Other accolades include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years (2021–2025) in the World Finance Banking Awards, and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker Banking Awards 2023 and 2024.
Zenith Bank has equally been recognized for its strong governance culture, winning Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria by World Finance from 2022 to 2025, and Best in Corporate Governance (Financial Services) Africa by Ethical Boardroom from 2020 to 2023.
With a strong brand reputation, disciplined management, and strategic innovation, Zenith Bank continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions.
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