Banking
Zenith Bank Grows Q1 2026 Earnings by 6% as NPL Ratio Eases to 3.79%
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Despite the challenging operating environment and tightening monetary policy stance, Zenith Bank Plc improved its gross earnings in the first quarter of 2026 by 6 per cent to N1.01 trillion from N950 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
In the unaudited financial statements of the lender for the period ended March 31, it was revealed that the growth was driven by an increase in interest income and non-interest income.
In the results submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Thursday, April 30, 2026, it was disclosed that the rise in interest income was primarily due to the expansion of the bank’s risk asset portfolio, supported by disciplined, risk-adjusted pricing.
It was observed that interest expense moderated by 5 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2026, underscored by a continued optimisation of the lender’s deposit mix and funding structure. This resulted in a 7 per cent growth in net interest income to N634 billion from N591 billion in Q1 2025.
Non-interest income also improved 19 per cent year on year to N106 billion from N89 billion, highlighting an improvement in fees and commissions and higher contributions from other operating income streams.
This performance reflects stronger customer activity and deeper transaction volumes across key business channels.
As a result, the profit before tax went up by 3 per cent year to N361 billion from N351 billion, and the profit after tax marginally increased by 1 per cent to N314 billion.
Profitability was further supported by a decline in cost of funds to 3.76 per cent in Q1 2026 from 3.90 per cent in Q1 2025; while cost of risk moderated to 2 per cent in Q1 2026, reflecting a prudent and proactive risk management stance in an elevated yield environment.
Gross loans increased by 9 per cent from N11.06 trillion as at full year 2025 to N12.04 trillion in Q1 2026, reflecting the continued commitment to carefully deploying credit into high-growth sectors of the economy that enhance portfolio returns.
Asset quality strengthened as the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio eased to 3.79 per cent, from 3.82 per cent reported in December 2025, underpinned by disciplined credit risk management. Customer deposits rose to N24.47 trillion in Q1 2026, while total assets increased by 2 per cent to N32.01 trillion over the same period.
Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 24.9 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, supported by strong top-line earnings and enhanced balance sheet efficiency.
Net interest margin (NIM) strengthened to 12.5 per cent, up from 10.3 per cent in Q1 2025, underscoring the Group’s ability to preserve its margins and deliver improved shareholder returns. Prudential ratios remained strong and comfortably above regulatory requirements.
The Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 23.5 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively, while the coverage ratio remained strong at 169 per cent, reinforcing the Bank’s resilient capital and liquidity position.
Its performance underscores its continued focus on sustaining high-quality earnings growth, further strengthening asset quality, and deepening customer engagement through continued digital innovation. The Bank remains firmly committed to delivering sustainable growth anchored on sound corporate governance, prudent risk oversight, and disciplined capital allocation.
Banking
Shareholders Authorise Abbey Mortgage Bank to Raise Fresh Funds
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has been given the approval to raise additional capital aimed at helping the company achieve its next phase, which is centred on delivering seamless and digitally driven banking experiences that eliminate the traditional barriers to premier financial services.
At the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the lender on Monday, investors authorised the raising of up to N100 billion through an offer by way of issuance of shares (whether by rights issue and/or public offer), global depository receipts, commercial papers, loans, convertibles or non-convertibles, medium term notes, bonds, and/or any other instruments either as a stand-alone or by way of programmes, in such tranches, series or proportions, at such coupon or interest rates, within such maturity periods, and on such terms and conditions; including through book building process or such other processes all of which shall be as determined by the directors, subject to obtaining the approvals of relevant regulatory authorities.
The directors were also allowed to raise fresh equity capital of up to N65.547 billion by way of private placement of 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N2.43 per share, subject to regulatory approvals.
In addition, shareholders approved the increase in the company’s issued share capital from N5,076,923,077 divided into 10,153,846,154 of 50 Kobo each to N18,358,246,709.50 by the creation of up to 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each, such new shares to rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares in the capital of the bank.
Addressing investors at the meeting, the chief executive of Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mr Mobolaji Adewumi, said, “Shaping the future means building a resilient institution that is as agile as it is reliable, while ensuring that every stakeholder benefits meaningfully from our growth and expansion.”
The company’s leadership also highlighted its strategic progress and strong corporate governance culture that positions the institution to deliver broader financial services and enhanced customer experiences.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to appreciate shareholders for their continued confidence, loyalty, and support, which have remained instrumental to its growth journey over the years.
Banking
Spending Limit on GTBank Naira Card Now $20,000
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The international spending limit on the GTBank Naira card has now been increased to $20,000 per quarter, a notice from the financial institution disclosed.
In an email message to customers sighted by Business Post on Tuesday, the lender said the Dollar limit is applicable to POS and online transactions carried out with the debit card.
The increase in the spending limit on the GTBank Naira card for offshore transactions comes as Nigeria continue to experience stability in the foreign exchange (FX) market.
A few years ago, Nigerians were unable to use their Naira cards to conduct financial transactions online for operations outside the country. This frustrated many consumers, who could not buy things online from other jurisdictions.
However, after some forex reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, these restrictions were removed.
“The Dollar limit on your GTBank Naira Card is now $20,000 quarterly,” the notice read.
The increase in the spending limit to $20,000 per quarter will give GTBank Naira cardholders an opportunity to make more transactions online with ease, as before now, it was pegged at $15,000.
Banking
FairMoney Unveils Asset Financing Solution for Mobility Entrepreneurs
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A new product known as Asset Financing Solution, tailored for those in the Nigerian transportation and logistics sector, has been introduced by a technology-enabled financial institution, FairMoney Microfinance Bank.
This initiative marks a significant expansion of FairMoney’s product ecosystem, moving beyond personal and working capital loans into commercial asset financing. By helping entrepreneurs build a verifiable credit history through vehicle repayments, the company is supporting financial inclusion and participation within the formal economy.
Asset Financing Solution forms part of the lender’s broader commitment to responsible lending and structured financing for eligible operators, as it expands access to asset financing for mobility entrepreneurs across the country through an application process subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.
The sector continues to record sustained market activity with reported growth rates of approximately 9.87 per cent–10.1 per cent in late 2025.
As road freight and passenger transport remain the nation’s dominant modes of transit, FairMoney’s new initiative aims to improve access to structured asset financing for thousands of transporters and delivery merchants. By providing access to business-use transport assets, the product helps address limited access to structured financing for micro-SMEs and supports activities within Nigeria’s logistics and mobility sector.
Mobility entrepreneurs seeking to acquire vehicles can now access flexible repayment plans through an application process that is subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.
Leveraging its technology-enabled onboarding and risk assessment capabilities, applicants can move through a structured onboarding and evaluation process.
Repayment structures are specifically tailored to the daily and weekly cash-flow realities of mobility businesses, supporting operational continuity and business growth within structured repayment arrangements.
The programme is open to eligible applicants via the FairMoney Business platform and through designated partner hubs across major cities.
“Our mission has always been to increase financial inclusion and create income opportunities by supporting individuals and small business operators in growing their businesses.
“With this solution, we are focused on supporting small business operators and mobility entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to transportation and commercial activity. The solution is designed to provide structured asset financing for eligible operators,” the Managing Director of FairMoney MFB, Mr Henry Obiekea, stated.
Speaking further, he said, “The intra-state transportation sector in Nigeria is experiencing sustained demand and market activity, offering opportunities for mobility and transport operators. The Asset Financing Solution ensures that costs are spread into manageable instalments, thereby supporting small business operations and broader economic participation.”
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