Zenith Bank Pays N51.3bn Interim Dividend, Reinforces Position As Nigeria’s Top Dividend-Paying Bank
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade, Lagos
Zenith Bank Plc has once again reaffirmed its leadership in shareholder value creation with the payment of an interim dividend of ₦51.3 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, representing ₦1.25 per share.
The payment, made on Friday, October 10, 2025, marks a significant 60% increase from the ₦31.4 billion declared for the corresponding period in 2024, underscoring the Bank’s resilience and strong profitability despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The dividend announcement followed the release of the Bank’s audited financial statements for H1 2025, which highlighted impressive growth across key performance indicators and a solid financial position.
Speaking on the development, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed delight at the Bank’s ability to sustain strong returns for shareholders.
“We are pleased to have paid this significant interim dividend to our valued shareholders. Our half-year results underscore our resilience and commitment to all stakeholders. With 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 Bank’s strong interim performance was driven by a 20% year-on-year growth in gross earnings, which rose from ₦2.1 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025. Interest income recorded a remarkable 60% surge, climbing from ₦1.1 trillion to ₦1.8 trillion, attributed to the strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.
Zenith Bank’s total assets expanded to ₦31 trillion in June 2025, up from ₦30 trillion in December 2024, reflecting prudent balance sheet management and sustained business growth. Customer deposits also grew by 7%, from ₦22 trillion to ₦23 trillion, demonstrating continued customer confidence in the Zenith brand.
With this performance, shareholders can look forward to sustained value creation as the Bank continues to leverage its strong fundamentals, digital innovation, and customer-centric strategy to drive growth.
Over the years, Zenith Bank has maintained an enviable record as one of Africa’s most decorated financial institutions. The Bank was ranked Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th consecutive year in The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking 2025, and also named “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.
Other notable recognitions include:
Bank of the Year (Nigeria) – The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards (2020, 2022, 2024)
Best Bank in Nigeria – Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards (2020–2022, 2024, 2025)
Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria – Euromoney Awards 2023
Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria – World Finance Banking Awards (2021–2025)
Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria – International Banker Banking Awards (2023, 2024)
Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria – World Finance Corporate Governance Awards (2022–2025)
Zenith Bank has also received multiple corporate social responsibility and governance accolades, including:
Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting, and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024;
Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay and New Telegraph Newspapers;
Best in MSME Trade Finance 2023 by Nairametrics; and
Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year 2025 at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards.
With consistent performance and a proven record of excellence, Zenith Bank continues to strengthen its position as Nigeria’s leading financial powerhouse and a foremost dividend-paying institution, committed to delivering sustainable returns and superior value to all stakeholders.
