Zenith Bank to Exit CBN’s Regulatory Forbearance by June 30, Reaffirms Commitment to Dividend Payout

Zenith Bank to Exit CBN’s Regulatory Forbearance by June 30, Reaffirms Commitment to Dividend Payout

Lagos, Nigeria – June 20, 2025
Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest financial institution by Tier-1 Capital, has assured shareholders and investors of its readiness to exit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulatory forbearance by June 30, 2025. The bank also reaffirmed its commitment to meeting dividend expectations for the 2025 financial year.

This assurance follows increased regulatory scrutiny on the banking sector after the CBN issued a directive suspending dividend payments and tightening oversight for banks that are yet to resolve issues related to forbearance loans or breaches of the Single Obligor Limit (SOL).

In a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group on Tuesday, June 17, Zenith Bank disclosed that its forbearance exposure under the SOL applies to just one obligor and will be regularised in line with regulatory requirements by the end of June. It further clarified that forbearance on other credit facilities concerns only two customers, and that substantial provisions have already been made toward full compliance.

"The bank has taken comprehensive steps to ensure full provisioning for these facilities on or before the June 30 deadline," the statement read.

Zenith Bank also highlighted its strong capital position, noting that it has successfully raised over ₦500 billion, thereby surpassing the new minimum capital requirement set by the apex bank. This, the bank said, reinforces its capacity to deliver sustained value to shareholders and other stakeholders.

Renowned for its strong financial performance and innovative banking solutions, Zenith Bank has built a reputation as a market leader in Nigeria’s financial services sector. The bank continues to expand its digital footprint with cutting-edge products and services that enhance customer convenience, security, and efficiency.

Zenith’s sustained excellence has earned it numerous prestigious awards both locally and internationally. It has been ranked Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for 15 consecutive years by The Banker Magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking. Other recognitions include:

• Bank of the Year (Nigeria) by The Banker (2020, 2022, 2024)
• Best Bank in Nigeria by Global Finance (2020–2022, 2024, 2025)
• Best Bank for Digital Solutions by Euromoney (2023)
• Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria by World Finance (2021–2024)
• Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria by International Banker (2023, 2024)
• Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria by World Finance (2022–2024)
• Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker (2020, 2021)
• Bank of the Year at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards (2023, 2024)
• Retail Bank of the Year (2020–2022, 2024)
• Most Responsible Organisation in Africa and Best in Gender Equality at the SERAS CSR Awards (2024)
• Best in MSME Trade Finance by Nairametrics (2023)
• Rights Issue/Public Offer of the Year by Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards (2025)

Zenith Bank’s consistent delivery of shareholder value, strong governance practices, and digital leadership continue to distinguish it as a top-tier institution in Africa’s financial landscape.