Zenith Bank Cements Position as Top Dividend-Paying Bank With N51.3bn Interim Dividend

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

About N51.3 billion has been paid out to shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc as interim dividend for the first half of 2025, amounting to N1.25 per share, representing over 60 per cent rise from the N31.4 billion paid in the same period of 2024.

The cash reward payment demonstrates the lender’s commitment and enhanced capacity to continually generate value for its shareholders amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Shareholders of the company received the interim dividend payment alerts last Friday, cementing its position as a top dividend-paying bank, and in fulfillment of its promise.

“We are pleased to have paid this significant interim dividend to our valued shareholders. 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,” the chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, stated.

The interim dividend was proposed by the board of the financial institution when it released the audited financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, last month.

The firm recorded a robust financial position and growth trajectory, with gross earnings rising by 20 per cent year-on-year to N2.5 trillion from N2.1 trillion in H1 2024.

Interest income drove this performance with an impressive 60 per cent growth, climbing from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion. The bank achieved this impressive increase in interest income through strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.

Zenith Bank’s total assets also expanded to N31 trillion in June 2025, representing steady growth from N30 trillion in December 2024, underpinned by a robust and well-structured balance sheet. Customer confidence remained strong, with deposits growing by 7 per cent from N22 trillion to N23 trillion in June 2025.

Zenith Bank’s shareholders have been assured of the bank’s continued focus on delivering exceptional value and growth, driven by its strong financial fundamentals and strategic initiatives.