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…as strong income growth, leaner operations, early recapitalisation lift confidence in long-term outlook

By Gloria Ikibah

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has delivered a standout financial performance, recording a 99 per cent jump in profit before tax as rising earnings and tighter cost controls combined to strengthen the Group’s balance sheet.

In its interim, unaudited full-year results for the year ended 31 December 2025, the Group reported profit momentum driven by a sharp expansion in both interest and non-interest income, with gross earnings climbing 46 per cent to N476.5 billion.

“The Group recorded a 99 per cent year-on-year increase in profit before tax, reflecting strong revenue growth across our core income lines and the benefits of disciplined cost management,” Sterling HoldCo said.

Interest income rose by 43 per cent to N369.6 billion, supported by growth in loans and advances to customers as well as improved yields on investment securities. Non-interest income increased even faster, jumping 57.3 per cent on the back of higher trading income, fees and commissions.

“Growth in both interest and non-interest income underscores the resilience of our diversified business model and our ability to perform in a competitive operating environment,” the Group noted.

Operational efficiency also improved markedly during the period. Sterling HoldCo reduced its cost-to-income ratio to 63 per cent, down from 72 per cent in 2024, reflecting a deliberate focus on managing operating expenses while scaling revenues.

The Group attributed much of the performance to sustained investment in digital and operational capabilities across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.

“This improvement in efficiency highlights our commitment to running a leaner, more effective organisation without compromising service delivery,.

“Our continued investment in digital and operational capabilities has enhanced service delivery, improved cost efficiency and strengthened our ability to support growing customer volumes while maintaining sound risk controls,” Sterling HoldCo further stated.

The balance sheet also expanded over the year, with total assets increasing by 11 per cent to N3.92 trillion. Customer deposits rose by 18 per cent to N2.98 trillion, while shareholders’ funds climbed 39 per cent to ₦424.0 billion, reinforcing the Group’s capital base.

On capital adequacy, the Group said it had moved decisively to get ahead of regulatory requirements.

“Building on the growth in shareholders’ funds, we have strengthened our capital structure by ensuring our banking subsidiaries met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new recapitalisation requirements well ahead of the March 2026 deadline,” it said.

This was achieved through a series of capital-raising initiatives, including a public offer of more than N88 billion to strengthen Sterling Bank, alongside an earlier capital injection that secured The Alternative Bank’s status as a national non-interest bank.

“With a diversified revenue base, increased capital strength and a clear focus on enhancing digital and operational capabilities, the Group is well positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead,” Sterling HoldCo added.

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has come out to deliver what he described as a message from the gods to Nigerian politicians, in particular, current governors serving out their second term in office.

The Minister disclosed on Saturday, in Port Harcourt, while commissioning Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters, housing Majority FM 89.5, situation room, office facilities, as well as vehicles for the office, that politicians supporting betrayers will reap what they sow, saying betrayal will follow such politicians.

Wike who stated that his successor took some months to betray him, said those supporting betrayers, and are serving out their second term in office as governors and wish to enthrone a successor, the successor will betray them immediately after inauguration.

“Let me tell one thing, today is the 7th of February, whoever is watching, whether you are senator, whether a House of Reps member, or a minister, whether you are a governor and you support betrayers, people will continue to betray you in life.

“You sit down and support those who betray, betrayal is your portion and the day you will be betrayed, you will not have mouth to say anything, there you will collapse. You will reap the seed that you planted, you will reap it, whatever you sow you will reap it.

“Betrayal will follow you everywhere, I have told you, and don’t take it for granted, watch every governor who is doing his second tenure, who has ambition to put a successor and is supporting a betrayer, you will never survive it, betrayer will follow you, the day your successor comes in, my own took some months, your own will start immediately, this is what the gods of the land have told me to tell you people.”

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A first-class traditional ruler in Adamawa State, Dishon Dansanda II, the Kwande Nugura of the Lugunda Kingdom, has declared that decades of political exclusion and discrimination against more than 85 ethnic nationalities in the state could have spiralled into violent unrest.

The monarch said the situation was defused only through the bold intervention of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who created seven new chiefdoms and emirates, restoring a sense of justice and belonging to long-marginalised ethnic groups.

The royal father made the remarks while receiving a delegation of the Gongola Peoples’ Forum (GPF) at his palace in Guyuk, during the group’s tour of the local government to inaugurate its interim ward and council officials.

According to him, years of domination by what he described as a clannish political cabal forced suppressed ethnic nationalities to unite in self-defence against exclusion.

He said the non-violent posture adopted by the groups was both reassuring and progressive, adding that his kingdom openly supports the movement.

“This unity is a relief. It shows maturity and purpose, and that is why we cannot hide our support,” the monarch said.

Although GPF is a socio-cultural organisation, the traditional ruler said its vision and mission, which he described as anchored on justice and equity, have transformed it into a credible movement in a society where, for decades, people were made to believe they only mattered if they surrendered their right to self-determination.

He, however, cautioned the organisation to guard against internal saboteurs, warning that greed could push some members to trade their conscience for what he called transactional politics.

Earlier, the National Chairman of GPF, Markus Gundiri, said the forum was in Guyuk to build grassroots structures for mobilisation and change.

He said the delegation could not visit the local government without paying homage to the paramount ruler.

Gundiri stressed that while the power for change lies with the people, it must be channelled through a credible, non-partisan platform like the GPF.

He explained that the GPF was deliberately elevated above partisan politics to promote evolving cultural leadership, self-determination, and development strategies defined by the people themselves, rather than imposed alien values.

Gundiri praised Gov. Fintiri, describing him as a son of the minority who governs with courage, noting that the creation of new chiefdoms and emirates was far from routine.

“In Adamawa, that decision was a war; a fierce one. Only a leader of his calibre could dare it,” he said.

The visit climaxed with the smooth inauguration of the GPF interim officials at the conference hall of the Guyuk Local Government Council.

GPF has previously carried out similar inaugurations in 10 local government areas across Adamawa State.