Zenith Bank Declares N51.3bn Interim Dividend for 2025 First Half

Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has announced the payment of an interim dividend of ₦51.3 billion to its shareholders for the first half (H1) of 2025. This payout, which translates to ₦1.60 per share, reaffirms the bank’s consistent track record of delivering robust returns to investors and underscores its resilience amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The announcement followed the release of the bank’s unaudited financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2025, which revealed strong growth across key performance indicators. The results showed that Zenith Bank maintained its leadership position in the Nigerian banking sector through solid earnings, prudent cost management, and sustained customer confidence.

According to the bank’s H1 2025 financial report filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Zenith Bank posted a profit before tax (PBT) of ₦447.6 billion, representing a significant year-on-year increase compared to ₦350.4 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. Profit after tax (PAT) also surged by 23%, reaching ₦380.2 billion, driven by improved interest income and efficient cost control measures.

The bank’s gross earnings rose by 28% to ₦1.38 trillion, up from ₦1.08 trillion in H1 2024, primarily fueled by growth in interest income from loans, advances, and investment securities, as well as gains from trading activities. Zenith Bank’s total assets also climbed to ₦22.4 trillion, reflecting a 12% increase from ₦19.9 trillion at the end of December 2024, supported by growth in customer deposits and investment portfolios.

In a statement, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, attributed the impressive performance to the bank’s strategic focus on innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centric banking. He emphasized that Zenith Bank’s diversified business model and proactive risk management framework continued to deliver value amid economic uncertainties.

“Our strong half-year performance underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable profitability,” Onyeagwu said. “We remain focused on leveraging technology and customer insights to enhance financial inclusion, drive efficiency, and create superior value for all stakeholders.”

The CEO further noted that the interim dividend payout reflects the bank’s robust liquidity position and capital adequacy, as well as its confidence in the sustainability of earnings for the remainder of the year.

“We believe that rewarding shareholders even in a challenging operating environment demonstrates the strength of our balance sheet and our ability to create long-term value,” he added.

Zenith Bank’s non-interest income rose by 18% to ₦198 billion, reflecting gains from digital channels, electronic transactions, and foreign exchange income. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio also improved marginally, supported by ongoing investments in automation and digital banking platforms that reduced operational overhead.

Industry analysts have lauded Zenith Bank’s financial resilience, describing the interim dividend announcement as a positive signal of stability in Nigeria’s banking sector. According to CardinalStone Research, the bank’s consistent profitability and conservative risk management strategy continue to set it apart as a benchmark for operational discipline and shareholder value creation.

Zenith Bank’s capital adequacy ratio remains well above regulatory requirements, standing at 20.6%, while its liquidity ratio improved to 65%, far exceeding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimum threshold of 30%. This strong capital base enables the bank to sustain lending growth and expand its footprint in key sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Furthermore, the bank’s digital transformation drive continues to yield positive outcomes, with a 30% year-on-year increase in e-banking transaction volumes. Zenith’s mobile and internet banking platforms recorded strong user growth, reflecting customers’ growing preference for digital financial solutions.

The Board of Directors approved the interim dividend at its recent meeting, subject to shareholders’ ratification at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). Payment will be made electronically to shareholders whose names appear in the company’s register as of the close of business on the qualification date.

Commenting on the development, a capital market expert, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, noted that Zenith Bank’s interim dividend reflects its consistency in maintaining investor confidence and its commitment to rewarding shareholders. “Zenith has built a reputation for delivering dividends regardless of economic headwinds. This stability enhances its attractiveness among both institutional and retail investors,” Ajayi said.

The announcement also reinforces Zenith Bank’s long-standing position as a top dividend-paying institution in Nigeria’s financial market. Over the past decade, the bank has distributed more than ₦1 trillion in dividends, cementing its status as one of the most shareholder-friendly banks in the country.

With a strong focus on expanding its digital ecosystem, Zenith Bank continues to invest in cutting-edge financial technologies that drive inclusion and efficiency across Africa. The bank’s commitment to innovation, robust governance, and prudent risk management has consistently earned it multiple awards, including “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance and The Banker.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Zenith Bank to sustain its upward growth trajectory, buoyed by rising interest margins, stable foreign exchange management, and growing digital adoption. The interim dividend of ₦51.3 billion, therefore, not only celebrates a successful first half of 2025 but also positions the bank for continued excellence in the second half of the year.