Zenith Bank Plc has once again demonstrated its financial strength and leadership in Nigeria’s banking industry by paying an impressive ₦51.3 billion interim dividend for the first half (H1) of 2025 — a 60% increase from the ₦31.4 billion distributed in the same period of 2024. The payout, equivalent to ₦1.25 per share, signals a strong full-year performance outlook and reinforces the bank’s reputation for consistent shareholder returns.
Strong Financial Growth in H1 2025
The interim dividend follows the release of Zenith Bank’s audited financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2025. The report highlights a solid growth trajectory, with gross earnings rising by 20% year-on-year, from ₦2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025.
A major contributor to this performance was interest income, which surged by 60% — from ₦1.1 trillion to ₦1.8 trillion — driven by the bank’s strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.
Total assets grew steadily to ₦31 trillion in June 2025, compared to ₦30 trillion in December 2024, supported by a solid balance sheet and prudent risk management. Customer deposits also rose by 7%, reaching ₦23 trillion, reflecting continued confidence in the Zenith brand.
Commitment to Shareholder Value
Speaking on the dividend payout, Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed optimism about the bank’s prospects for the rest of the year.
“Our half-year results underscore our resilience and commitment to our stakeholders. Based on the momentum achieved in H1, we are confident in our full-year outlook and expect to exceed shareholders’ expectations by year end,” she said.
The 2025 interim dividend not only highlights Zenith Bank’s profitability but also its consistent ability to generate value for investors despite Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic environment.
Sustained Industry Leadership
Zenith Bank’s exceptional financial results continue to position it as one of the most dominant and trusted institutions in Nigeria’s banking sector. Its commitment to governance, sustainability, and innovation has earned the bank numerous local and international recognitions over the years.
In 2025 alone, Zenith Bank was named Nigeria’s Number One Bank by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking. The bank also received “Nigeria’s Best Bank” award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.
Its list of accolades extends further, including:
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Bank of the Year (Nigeria) – The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards (2020, 2022, 2024)
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Best Bank in Nigeria – Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards (2020–2022, 2024, 2025)
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Best Bank for Digital Solutions – Euromoney Awards (2023)
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Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria – International Banker Awards (2023, 2024)
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Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria – World Finance Awards (2022–2025)
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Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria – The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands (2020, 2021)
Additionally, the bank has received numerous honors at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, including Bank of the Year (2023–2025) and Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, 2024–2025).
A Forward-Looking Outlook
Zenith Bank’s performance in the first half of 2025 reflects not just strong financial results but also strategic resilience and operational excellence. With expanding assets, increasing deposits, and robust interest income growth, the bank appears poised for another record-breaking year.
Backed by sound governance, customer trust, and a proven track record of innovation, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to sustain its leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector — delivering consistent value to shareholders and contributing to the stability of the broader economy.
