Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc has reported a profit before tax of ₦1.23 trillion for the 2025 financial year, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s most profitable banking groups.

The results, released on Tuesday to the Nigerian Exchange Group and the London Stock Exchange, also show the company declared a record dividend of ₦12.76 per share.

Despite a dip in profit after tax to ₦865.75 billion from ₦1.02 trillion in 2024, the group said its underlying earnings remain strong.

Why it matters

The slight decline in net profit reflects recent changes in Nigeria’s fiscal policies, particularly new taxes on investment securities.

However, analysts say GTCO’s core earnings growth suggests resilience in Nigeria’s banking sector amid tighter regulations and currency shifts.

For investors, the record dividend signals confidence in the group’s long-term profitability and stability.

Strong core earnings drive performance

GTCO’s performance was largely driven by growth in its core income streams.

Interest income rose by 23.2%, while fee income increased by 25.9% year-on-year.

The group noted that its 2024 results were boosted by one-off fair value gains, which did not recur in 2025—making this year’s earnings more reflective of its core operations.

CEO: ‘Resilience and discipline driving growth’

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, said the results highlight the company’s strong fundamentals.

“Our 2025 result underscores the resilience and depth of our earnings capacity.

The strength of our underlying earnings, despite a stronger Naira and tighter regulatory parameters, reflects the quality of our franchise and the discipline with which we execute our strategy.”

He added:

“Our record dividend payout this year is not only a reflection of our current profitability but also of our confidence in the Group’s long-term earnings potential.”

Balance sheet remains strong

The group reported total assets of ₦17.8 trillion and shareholders’ funds of ₦3.4 trillion.

Its capital adequacy ratio stood at a strong 43.8%, well above regulatory requirements.

Asset quality also improved, with non-performing loans declining and cost of risk dropping to 2.2% from 4.9% in 2024.

Growth in loans and deposits

GTCO’s lending and deposit base expanded significantly during the year.

Loan book grew by 12.4% to ₦3.13 trillion

Deposits increased by 23.8% to ₦12.87 trillion

This growth reflects increased customer confidence and expansion across its banking and non-banking services.

Industry perspective

Financial analysts say the results underline a broader trend in Nigeria’s banking sector—where lenders are focusing on sustainable income rather than one-off gains.

The strong capital position and improved asset quality also suggest banks are becoming more cautious in risk management amid economic uncertainty.

What’s next

GTCO says it will continue to expand its ecosystem across banking, payments, pension, and asset management services.

The group is also focusing on innovation and digital financial services to drive future growth.

Key Financial Highlights (FY 2025)

Profit Before Tax: ₦1.23 trillion

Profit After Tax: ₦865.75 billion

Total Assets: ₦17.8 trillion

Shareholders’ Funds: ₦3.4 trillion

Capital Adequacy Ratio: 43.8%

Cost-to-Income Ratio: 27.9%

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, has led a delegation from the UK government’s trade department on a courtesy visit to Fidelity Bank Plc headquarters in Lagos, signalling renewed efforts to deepen economic cooperation between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The visit brought together senior representatives from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and top executives of the Nigerian bank, reflecting growing interest in expanding bilateral trade, investment, and financial partnerships.

Why it matters

Nigeria remains one of the UK’s largest trading partners in Africa, with both countries seeking stronger financial and investment ties.

Banks play a key role in facilitating international trade, financing businesses, and supporting investment flows between both economies.

Meetings like this also help align financial institutions with trade initiatives aimed at boosting exports, infrastructure development, and private sector growth.

Who attended the meeting

Among those present during the visit were senior officials from both organisations.

They included Fidelity Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter.

Other participants were Executive Director for Risk Management at Fidelity Bank, Kevin Ugwuoke, Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade Nigeria, Mark Smithson, and Deputy Country Director, DBT Nigeria, Morayo Adekunle.

The meeting took place at Fidelity Bank’s head office in Lagos.

Strengthening economic collaboration

While details of the discussions were not made public, diplomatic visits of this nature typically focus on expanding trade support for businesses operating across both countries.

The UK government has recently increased efforts to promote investment in Nigeria’s financial services, technology, and infrastructure sectors.

Financial institutions like Fidelity Bank also play an important role in enabling cross-border payments, trade finance, and support for Nigerian businesses looking to expand internationally.

Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major step towards financial inclusion in the rural community.

For years, many residents travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi to carry out routine banking transactions.

Local officials say the new branch will reduce the cost, time and stress associated with accessing formal financial services.

Why it matters

Access to banking services remains limited in parts of rural Nigeria, despite national efforts to deepen financial inclusion.

In agricultural communities like Kamba, proximity to banks can determine whether farmers access credit, government intervention schemes and secure savings options.

The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr Mansur Isah-Kamba, said the branch was long overdue.

Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, he said:

“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced.”

He added that over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll previously had to travel outside the area for salary-related transactions.

Farmers hope for easier access to loans

The Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area.

“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.

Improved banking presence could increase participation in federal and state-backed agricultural schemes.

Bank: ‘This branch belongs to the community’

Speaking at the inauguration, the Regional Bank Head, North-West Region of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Muhammad Lawal-Ahijo, said the decision was strategic.

“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.”

He added:

“Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”

Lawmakers and residents react

A member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, described the development as a milestone.

“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.

For small traders, the impact is immediate.

Mrs Hassana Abubakar, a petty trader, said she previously had to shut her shop to travel for transactions.

“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.

Fidelity Bank serves more than 10 million customers through digital channels, 255 business offices in Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank has received several awards in digital transformation and SME banking in recent years.

What’s next?

Community leaders say expectations are high.

Residents hope the branch will not only provide savings and withdrawal services, but also improve access to credit, agricultural financing and small business support.