Zenith Bank Plc will pay its founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, about N5.18 billion in interim dividends for the first half of 2025, reflecting the bank’s strong performance.

Ovia’s direct holding of 4.14 billion shares qualifies him for a payout of N1.25 per share—25 per cent higher than the N1.00 declared in the same period of 2024.

Excluding his indirect stake of 1.65 billion shares, Ovia’s dividend entitlement could rise by an additional N2.06 billion if those holdings are factored in.

Zenith Bank Plc reported a profit before tax of N625.63 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, representing a 13.95 per cent decline from the N727 billion posted in the same period of 2024.

The lender’s gross earnings, however, rose 20 per cent year-on-year to N2.5 trillion, buoyed by a 60 per cent jump in interest income to N1.8 trillion.

This growth was attributed to the bank’s strategic repricing of risk assets and strong treasury management.

Net interest income nearly doubled, climbing 90 per cent to N1.4 trillion, while non-interest income contributed N613 billion during the period.

Zenith Bank Plc posted a profit after tax of N532 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, translating to earnings per share of N12.95.

The bank’s balance sheet remained solid, with total assets reaching N31 trillion, customer deposits rising to N23 trillion, and a capital adequacy ratio of 26 per cent—well above regulatory requirements. Asset quality strengthened as the non-performing loan ratio declined to 3.1%, while the liquidity ratio stood at a healthy 69 per cent.

The interim dividend underscores Zenith Bank’s consistency in rewarding shareholders as it marks its 35th anniversary in 2025.

Chairman and founder Jim Ovia remains one of Nigeria’s most rewarded shareholders. For the 2024 financial year, he was entitled to N25.4 billion in dividends, following the bank’s record profit after tax of N1.03 trillion—a 52.5 per cent increase from 2023.