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Zenith Bank Records Triple-Digit Growth In Q3 2024

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024. Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

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Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan. In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

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With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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Economy

SEE Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate In Lagos, FCT, April 7th 2025

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The local currency (abokiFx) opened at ₦1,560.00 per $1 at the parallel market, otherwise known as the black market, today, Monday, 7 April 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, after it closed at ₦1,550.00 per $1 on Sunday, 6 April 2025.

Black market dollar to naira exchange rate today, 7 April 2025, also known as Aboki forex, can be accessed below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. What this means is that…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

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Economy

Crude prices slump to $65 first time since 2021

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Oil prices plunged this week to $65 per barrel as the United States import tariffs and an unexpected OPEC+ supply hike erased $10 per barrel from global benchmarks.

The price appreciated last week when US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on any country that buys crude from Venezuela.

However, oil prices turned around the corner as of Friday, with Brent falling to $65, the first time since 2021.

According to oilprice.com, the combined effect of Trump’s import tariffs, OPEC+’s inopportune decision to speed up the unwinding of production cuts, and China’s retaliatory actions wiped off $10 per barrel from global oil prices, “with ICE Brent falling below $65 per barrel for the first time since August 2021.”

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The US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost $4.96, or 7.4 per cent to end at $61.99.

“Seeing backwardation barely change compared to the beginning of the week, one could assume that US tariffs are the defining factor for the price change. Nevertheless, this week will not go down well in the history of oil markets,” oilprice.com reports.

China’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods have escalated a trade war that has led investors to price in a higher probability of recession.

China, the world’s top oil importer, announced it will impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on all US goods from April 10.

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According to Reuters, nations around the world have readied retaliation after Trump raised tariffs to their highest in more than a century.

Aside from the tariffs, another factor that further pressured oil prices was the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Allies’ decision to advance plans for output increases.

The group now aims to return 411,000 barrels per day to the market in May, up from the previously planned 135,000 bpd.

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CBN allocates $197.71m into FX market to support naira

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has injected $197.71m into the foreign exchange market on Friday, April 4, 2025, as part of its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and maintaining orderly market functioning.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Director of the Financial Markets Department, Dr Omolara Omotunde-Duke, reiterating the bank’s stance on maintaining market integrity and operational transparency.

The statement read, “In line with its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and supporting orderly market functioning, the CBN facilitated market activity on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the provision of $197.71m through sales to authorised dealers. This measured step aligns with the bank’s broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market.”

The CBN said the intervention was in line with its broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market.

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It added that it remained focused on sustaining liquidity levels to support smooth market operations amid ongoing global economic adjustments.

The apex bank said the decision to boost liquidity in the FX market came against the backdrop of significant shifts in the global macroeconomic landscape, which had affected many emerging markets and developing economies, including Nigeria.

It noted that the recent introduction of new import tariffs by the United States on goods from several economies had triggered adjustments across global markets.

It added that crude oil prices—a major revenue source for Nigeria—had dropped by over 12 per cent, settling at approximately $65.50 per barrel.

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The CBN said the downturn posed challenges for oil-exporting countries, influencing exchange rate dynamics and market sentiment.

The CBN stressed that it would continue to monitor both global and domestic market conditions. It expressed confidence in the resilience of Nigeria’s foreign exchange framework, which it said was designed to adjust appropriately to changing economic fundamentals.

The bank also urged all authorised dealers to strictly adhere to the principles outlined in the Nigerian FX Market Code, promoting transparency and upholding the highest standards in their transactions with clients and market counterparties.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s official exchange rate fell to N1,600/$1 at the end of trading on April 4, 2025, as the tariffs imposed during the Trump era continued to impact global markets.

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Data from the CBN showed that the naira closed at N1,600/$1, marking a 1.9 per cent depreciation compared to the N1,569/$1 recorded the previous day.

The figure also marked the weakest level the naira had reached since December 4, 2024, when it closed at N1,608/$1. The exchange rate has now weakened by 3.9 per cent in the first four days of April, after closing March at N1,537/$1.

According to the CBN, the exchange rate closed at N1,600/$1 on Friday, marking a 1.9 per cent drop from the previous day.

The intra-day highs and lows were reported as N1,625 and N1,519 to the dollar, respectively. The intra-day high of N1,625 is also one of the highest levels recorded this year, indicating that traders priced the naira at significantly weaker levels.

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Conversely, the intra-day low of N1,519/$1 suggests that some traders still priced the naira stronger, possibly betting on short-term interventions.

The NFEM rate, which represents the average exchange rate, closed at N1,567, the weakest the naira has traded this year and since December 4, 2024.

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