By Seun Ibiyemi
Ten Nigerian banks have been listed among Africa’s Top 100 Banks, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as one of the continent’s leading financial markets despite economic headwinds.
According to the latest ranking published by African Banker in its 4th Quarter 2025 edition, the Nigerian lenders that made the prestigious list are Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Ecobank Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria.
The ranking assesses banks based on capital strength, asset base, profitability and key performance indicators.
Access Bank emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked lender, placing 16th position on the continental list, reflecting its strong capital base and expanding pan-African operations.
Zenith Bank followed closely at 17th position, while FBN Holdings (First Bank of Nigeria) ranked 19th position, highlighting its resilience and scale.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) secured the 20th position, supported by its extensive footprint across Africa, while Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) ranked 27th position, buoyed by solid profitability and efficiency ratios.
Other Nigerian banks also featured on the list. FCMB was ranked 57th position, Fidelity Bank placed 65th position, and Ecobank Nigeria came in at 73rd position. Stanbic IBTC Bank ranked 80th position, while Union Bank of Nigeria occupied the 86th position.
The strong representation of Nigerian banks on the Africa-wide ranking underscores the sector’s resilience, improving capitalisation and growing focus on digital banking, even as operators navigate currency volatility, regulatory reforms and rising operating costs.
The inclusion of ten Nigerian lenders on the list is expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s role in driving financial intermediation and economic growth across the continent.