Zenith Bank Plc has reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, growing its gross earnings to N2.5 trillion as of June 30, 2025. This represents a 20 per cent increase compared with the N2.1 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
The figures were disclosed in the group’s financial results filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The results showed that the bank posted a profit before tax of N625.629 billion and profit after tax of N532 billion, with earnings per share standing at N12.95 for the period under review.
Following the robust performance, the board of Zenith Bank approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share. This marks a 25 per cent increase compared with the N1.00 paid in the first half of 2024, making Zenith Bank one of the few Nigerian lenders to sustain dividend payments despite regulatory pressures.
The bank explained that its strong earnings growth came despite higher provisioning requirements due to the banking industry’s transition from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) forbearance regime. Interest income grew 60 per cent, rising from N1.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 to N1.8 trillion in the same period of 2025. The increase was driven by strategic repricing of risk assets and efficient treasury management.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, said the results reflect the bank’s resilience and ability to adapt to regulatory and market challenges.
“Despite the huge provisioning requirements as the industry exits the CBN forbearance regime, we have seen substantial improvement in our asset quality. Our balance sheet remains robust with adequate capital buffers, positioning us well to seize opportunities across our key markets,” she said.
She assured shareholders that the strong half-year results are a foundation for accelerated growth in the second half of 2025. According to her, the performance and improved asset quality provide confidence that shareholders can expect a quantum year-end dividend.
“Our shareholders can look forward to continued value creation as we leverage emerging opportunities and maintain our strategic growth with a strong corporate governance culture,” she said. “We are on a solid growth path that we expect to sustain through the rest of 2025 and into 2026, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that meet the changing needs of our clients.”
In the financial report, Zenith Bank’s net interest income surged 90 per cent year-on-year, from N715 billion to N1.4 trillion, showing the strength of its core banking operations. Non-interest income also contributed significantly, standing at N613 billion in the half-year period.
Total assets expanded to N31 trillion in June 2025, compared with N30 trillion in December 2024, reflecting steady growth and a well-structured balance sheet. Customer deposits also grew by seven per cent, rising from N22 trillion in December 2024 to N23 trillion by June 2025. However, the loan book reduced slightly to N10.2 trillion from N11 trillion in December 2024.
Zenith Bank also recorded significant improvement in asset quality. Its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio dropped to 3.1 per cent in June 2025 from 4.7 per cent in December 2024. The bank maintained strong prudential ratios, with a capital adequacy ratio of 26 per cent and a liquidity ratio of 69 per cent, both comfortably above regulatory requirements.
Analysts say the results demonstrate Zenith Bank’s ability to balance profitability with strong risk management, placing it among the most resilient banks in Nigeria’s financial system. The interim dividend also highlights the bank’s consistent track record of rewarding shareholders, even during challenging market conditions.
