United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has demonstrated significant financial strength, reporting a profit after tax (PAT) of N537.53 billion for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025.
This figure marks a slight but steady 2.3 per cent increase over the N525.31 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.
Although profit before tax (PBT) saw a minor dip of 4.1 per cent to N578.59 billion, the performance highlights the bank’s resilience in effectively managing inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and rising funding costs across its extensive operational footprint.
Sustained growth and balance sheet expansion
UBA maintained its robust revenue trajectory, with gross earnings growing 3 per cent to N2.469 trillion, up from N2.398 trillion in Q3 2024. This top-line momentum was largely fueled by prudent balance sheet management and consistent loan portfolio expansion, reflected in a 10.1 per cent rise in interest income and a 6.2 per cent uplift in net interest income to N1.172 trillion.
The bank’s diversified operations spanning Nigeria, 20 other African countries, and key international markets like the UK, the US, and France, remain a strategic advantage in sustaining this earnings trajectory.
The bank’s balance sheet continued its significant expansion, underscoring strong investor and customer confidence.
Total assets surged 7.2 per cent to N32.492 trillion, compared with N30.323 trillion at the end of December 2024.
Simultaneously, total deposits increased by 7.7 per cent to N26.54 trillion, indicating successful deposit mobilisation strategies.
Strengthening capital buffers amid industry drive
A key highlight of the performance is the significant strengthening of the capital base. Shareholders’ funds surged 25.8 per cent to N4.301 trillion, up from N3.418 trillion recorded at the close of 2024.
This reflects robust internal capital generation and renewed investor belief in the Group, crucial given the ongoing industry-wide recapitalisation initiative.
Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, confirmed that UBA has made substantial progress in its capital raising program, including the successful completion of the final phase of its Rights Issue.
He noted that the bank’s consistent profitability ensures its capacity for sustainable growth despite macroeconomic challenges, leveraging its diversified income streams and pan-African presence for long-term strategic benefits.
Executive Director of Finance & Risk, Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh, attributed the strong showing to strategic investments in earning assets and accelerated digital transformation.
He reassured stakeholders that the bank’s capital adequacy and liquidity ratios remain well above regulatory thresholds, providing strong buffers to support continued expansion.
He also emphasised UBA’s ongoing focus on profitability, digital growth, and maintaining cost efficiency to deliver superior long-term shareholder value.
Positive outlook
Looking ahead to the final quarter of 2025, UBA’s outlook is positive yet mindful of potential challenges. The bank’s substantial N32.5 trillion asset base, bolstered capital buffers, and regional diversification provide a solid foundation against localised shocks and market volatility.
While the persistent headwinds of rising funding costs and high inflationary pressures could continue to impact margins, UBA’s success will hinge on its ability to further deepen its digital income streams, maintain rigorous cost management, and deftly navigate foreign exchange exposure across its markets.
Ultimately, the bank’s recapitalisation progress and balance sheet strength position it well for sustained earnings growth and value creation in the medium term.