Two of Nigeria’s leading lenders, Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), generated a combined N283.7 billion from account maintenance and electronic banking charges in 2025.
The figures were disclosed in the banks’ audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The earnings underscore the growing importance of digital banking channels as a major revenue stream, driven by increased adoption of mobile banking, USSD services, card payments and online transfers.
A breakdown of the data shows that Zenith Bank recorded N91.95 billion in account maintenance fees in 2025, representing a 26.1 per cent increase from N72.93 billion in 2024. Its electronic banking income rose to N89.13 billion, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year.
Similarly, GTCO posted N37.92 billion in account maintenance income, reflecting a 16.1 per cent increase from N32.66 billion in the previous year. Its e-business revenue climbed to N64.72 billion, up 14.4 per cent from N56.56 billion in 2024.
Combined, the two banks earned N129.87 billion from account maintenance charges and N153.85 billion from electronic banking transactions.
Industry analysts say the strong growth reflects deeper financial inclusion and a shift in customer behaviour toward digital banking platforms, as users increasingly favour faster and more convenient transaction methods.
The expansion of fee-based income has also provided a buffer against interest rate fluctuations, reinforcing profitability in a high-inflation environment.
Both banks have continued to invest in financial technology infrastructure to enhance service delivery and unlock new revenue streams.
