Zenith Bank Plc, recognized as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-1 Capital, has provided assurances to its shareholders and investors regarding its commitment to fulfilling all necessary conditions to exit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulatory forbearance. This exit is projected to occur by June 30, 2025. Furthermore, the bank expressed strong confidence in its ability to meet shareholders' dividend expectations for the 2025 financial year, a crucial clarification amidst increased scrutiny of Nigerian banks' capital health.

This heightened scrutiny follows a new CBN directive, issued via a June 13 circular, which suspends dividend payments and tightens oversight for banks still operating under regulatory leniency frameworks. These frameworks were initially introduced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic downturn. Regulatory forbearance serves as a policy tool enabling banks and financial institutions to continue operations even if they temporarily fall below required capital thresholds, acting as a provisional measure to allow for asset restructuring, such as non-performing loans.

In a statement submitted to the Nigeria Exchange (NGX) Group on June 17, 2025, Zenith Bank clarified that its exposure under the Single Obligor Limit (SOL) forbearance pertains exclusively to a single obligor. The bank affirmed that this specific exposure would be brought within the applicable regulatory limit on or before the June 30, 2025 deadline. Additionally, the bank confirmed that forbearance granted on other credit facilities applies to only two (2) of its customers. Zenith Bank highlighted that it has already made substantial provisions for these facilities and has undertaken comprehensive steps to ensure full provisioning by the stipulated June 30, 2025 date.

Zenith Bank underscored its robust financial standing, noting its successful achievement and surpassing of the new regulatory capital requirement of N500 billion. This strategic position enables the bank to consistently deliver value to all its stakeholders. The bank has continuously set itself apart within the Nigerian financial services industry through its superior service offerings, distinctive customer experience, and sound financial metrics. It has also maintained its leadership in the digital realm, pioneering innovative products, solutions, and a diverse range of alternative channels designed to ensure convenient, swift, and secure transactions.

The bank’s consistent track record of excellent performance has garnered numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for fifteen consecutive years in The Banker Magazine's Top 1000 World Banks Ranking (2024). Other notable accolades include Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards (2020, 2022, 2024), Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards (2020-2022, 2024, 2025), and Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards (2023). It was also listed among the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023. Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years (2021-2024) in the World Finance Banking Awards, and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank has also been consistently recognized for its corporate governance, including Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards (2022, 2023, 2024) and 'Best in Corporate Governance' Financial Services Africa for four consecutive years (2020-2023) by the Ethical Boardroom. Its commitment to excellence further earned it titles like Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands (2020, 2021), Bank of the Year (2023, 2024) at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years (2020-2022) and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards. The bank also received accolades such as Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. In 2024, Zenith Bank was named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting, and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa. It was also recognized as Bank of the Year by ThisDay Newspaper and New Telegraph Newspaper in 2024, and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. Furthermore, the bank’s Hybrid Offer was awarded ‘Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.