Manny Ita –
Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc recorded a combined ₦283.7 billion in income from account maintenance and electronic banking charges in the 2025 financial year.
The figures are contained in the audited financial statements filed by both institutions with the Nigerian Exchange for the year ended December 31, 2025.
A breakdown shows that Zenith Bank earned ₦91.95 billion from account maintenance fees, representing a 26.1 per cent increase from ₦72.93 billion in 2024. Its electronic banking income rose to ₦89.13 billion, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year.
GTCO reported ₦37.92 billion in account maintenance income, a 16.1 per cent increase from ₦32.66 billion recorded in the previous year. Its e-business revenue grew to ₦64.72 billion, marking a 14.4 per cent rise from ₦56.56 billion in 2024.
Combined, both banks generated ₦129.87 billion from account maintenance charges and ₦153.85 billion from digital banking transactions.
The results reflect increased reliance on digital banking channels, including mobile banking, USSD services, card payments and online transfers, as transaction volumes continue to rise.
Industry data indicates that fee-based income remains a key revenue stream for banks, providing stability amid interest rate fluctuations and a high-inflation environment.
Both institutions also reported strong overall financial performance for the year. Zenith Bank posted a profit before tax of ₦1.26 trillion, while GTCO recorded ₦1.23 trillion in profit before tax.
The performance comes despite regulatory pressures, including policies introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria during the first half of 2025.
Analysts say the continued growth in digital banking income highlights ongoing investments in financial technology and the expansion of electronic payment systems across Nigeria.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has attributed his side’s recent resurgence to improved organisation and consistency, following a 3–0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League.
The win moves Manchester City to 64 points from 31 matches, narrowing the gap to league leaders Arsenal to six points, intensifying the title race with the season approaching its final stages.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola said his team’s improved form is due to clarity in training and tactical discipline. He noted that although City have not delivered complete performances across full matches, they have remained organised defensively while maintaining attacking threat.
Guardiola added that sustained success over several years is rooted in the club’s ability to remain self-critical and adaptable. He said maintaining high standards over nearly a decade reflects the strength of the club’s overall structure.
The City manager also made light of his team’s form, joking that better weather conditions could have influenced earlier results, before reaffirming that tactical adjustments continue to play a key role in performances.
Looking ahead, Guardiola described the upcoming fixture against Arsenal as a decisive encounter but stressed that other remaining matches will be equally important in determining the outcome of the title race.
He also acknowledged Arsenal’s progress in recent seasons, describing them as a strong and competitive side, and emphasised the need for respect ahead of their meeting.
Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, remain sixth on 48 points after 32 matches, with inconsistent results continuing to affect their campaign.
