Nigeria's 10 largest banks by branch network in 2025: Access, FirstBank, Zenith lead

Nigeria's top commercial banks collectively operate thousands of physical branches nationwide, even as mobile apps and USSD banking reshape customer service. Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from banks' 2025 annual reports and investor presentations shows that Access Bank, FirstBank, and Zenith Bank remain the most visible lenders in the country by branch network, together operating more than 1,400 branches.

The continued investment in physical banking reflects a deliberate strategy to serve a large, diverse, and still largely cash-reliant population, supporting retail customers, corporate clients, and underserved communities.

Banks with 200 to 400 branches

Zenith Bank operates 406 branches across Nigeria, with more than 450 across Africa, supported by 10,397 employees. Its total assets rose to N31.46 trillion in 2025, while customer deposits also grew strongly. United Bank for Africa (UBA) runs 327 branches in Nigeria, with more than 1,000 branches and touchpoints across Africa, supported by 10,814 employees. UBA's total assets increased to N33.17 trillion in 2025 from N30.32 trillion in 2024, a growth of 9.40%, while customer deposits rose to N23.95 trillion from N21.89 trillion, a 9.38% increase year-on-year. UBA has also extended its footprint to the United Arab Emirates with a new branch at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Ecobank maintains 273 branches in Nigeria, with 626 touchpoints across the continent. It recorded total assets of N49.66 trillion in 2025, up from N43.30 trillion in 2024, an increase of 14.68%. Customer deposits grew to N36.44 trillion from N31.64 trillion, a 15.18% rise. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) operates 240 branches in Nigeria and more than 350 across the continent, supported by 5,976 employees. Its total assets grew to N17.76 trillion in 2025 from N14.80 trillion in 2024, a 20.04% increase, while customer deposits rose to N12.55 trillion from N10.01 trillion, up 25.31%.

Banks with under 200 branches

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) operates 206 branches across Nigeria, supported by 4,932 employees. Total assets rose to N7.63 trillion in 2025 from N7.05 trillion in 2024, an increase of 8.18%, while customer deposits grew to N4.42 trillion from N4.30 trillion, a modest 2.84% rise. Sterling Bank runs 186 branches nationwide with 3,723 employees. Its total assets increased to N3.91 trillion in 2025 from N3.54 trillion in 2024, a rise of 10.44%, while customer deposits rose to N2.98 trillion from N2.52 trillion, an 18.51% increase.

Wema Bank maintains over 155 branches, supported by 2,504 employees. Total assets rose strongly to N5.07 trillion in 2025 from N3.59 trillion in 2024, a 41.16% increase, while customer deposits grew to N3.29 trillion from N2.52 trillion, up 30.34%. Despite its digital-first reputation through ALAT, Wema continues to maintain physical branches to support hybrid banking and SME growth. Stanbic IBTC operates 129 branches across Nigeria, supported by 3,374 employees, and maintains 1,208 branches across the continent. Total assets rose to N8.62 trillion in 2025 from N6.91 trillion in 2024, a 24.71% increase, while customer deposits grew to N4.37 trillion from N3.01 trillion, a 45.25% rise.

What this means for Nigerian consumers and the naira

The data shows that Nigeria's biggest banks are not abandoning brick-and-mortar operations despite the digital shift. For consumers, this means continued access to in-person banking in a cash-reliant economy, particularly in underserved areas. For the naira, the large deposit bases of these banks, which grew by double digits across most lenders, signal sustained liquidity in the banking system, supporting lending and economic activity even as inflation and currency pressures persist.