United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings paid out approximately N135.49 billion in interim dividends for the half-year ending June 30, 2025, as detailed in their financial reports submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited. These payouts alleviated investor concerns about potential dividend cuts due to regulatory pressures and economic uncertainties.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings led with N2.50 per 50-kobo share, totaling N39.75 billion, pending withholding tax and regulatory approval. Shareholders registered by October 6, 2025, will receive payments, reflecting the bank’s robust earnings in a challenging environment.
Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank by market capitalization, declared N1.25 per share across its 41.07 billion shares, amounting to N51.34 billion. Paid from retained earnings, this dividend highlights Zenith’s financial strength.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company offered N1 per share, totaling N34.14 billion, easing fears of regulatory impacts on payouts. United Bank for Africa paid N0.25 per share, delivering a 1.4% dividend yield and a 7.83% payout ratio, balancing profitability and growth.
While these banks enhanced investor confidence, some struggled with regulatory deadlines. Access Holdings extended its half-year report submission to October 22, 2025, pending Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approval. Fidelity Bank also delayed its results due to ongoing audits, ensuring compliance post-approval.
Other banks, such as First HoldCo, Sterling Financial Holding Company, Wema Bank, and FCMB Group, released results but withheld dividends due to regulatory and capital considerations. The CBN recently mandated banks under forbearance to pause dividends, bonuses, and offshore investments to bolster sector stability, affecting banks with $3.52 billion in forbearance loans.
The CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee announced the end of forbearance measures, promoting transparency and risk management while assuring the banking system’s stability. Analysts see the N135.49 billion dividends as evidence of top-tier banks’ resilience, fostering optimism. With forbearance lifted, more banks are expected to resume dividends, further boosting confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
