Wema Bank Plc says its profit before tax rose to N221.85 billion in the 2025 financial year, representing a 116 per cent increase compared with N102.51 billion recorded in 2024.

The bank disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

It said its 2025 performance reflected sustained profitability momentum, driven largely by growth in core income streams.

Profit after tax stood at N194.46 billion, representing a 125.36 per cent increase from N86.29 billion recorded in 2024.

The bank’s total assets expanded by 41.48 per cent to N5.07 trillion in 2025, up from N3.59 trillion in the previous year.

The lender reported gross earnings of N660.59 billion in 2025, an increase of 52.79 per cent from N432.34 billion recorded in the previous year.

Interest income grew by 62.72 per cent to N575.27 billion from N353.54 billion in 2024, while net interest income more than doubled, rising by 103.91 per cent to N361.01 billion.

Non-interest income also increased by 8.27 per cent to N85.32 billion from N78.80 billion in the prior year.

Operating income rose by 79.62 per cent to N420.64 billion, compared with N234.19 billion in 2024, while operating expenses increased by 50.96 per cent to N198.79 billion.

Customer deposits grew by 30.34 per cent to N3.29 trillion, while net loans rose by 44.68 per cent to N1.74 trillion.

Shareholders’ funds increased significantly by 141.95 per cent to N620.47 billion from N256.45 billion recorded in 2024.

Key performance ratios also improved, with return on average equity rising to 44.35 per cent from 43.60 per cent, while return on average assets increased to 4.49 per cent from 2.96 per cent.

The bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 47.26 per cent from 56.23 per cent in the previous year.

Wema Bank also said it had met the regulatory requirements for a commercial bank with national authorisation.

It added that it had declared a dividend of N1.25 per share for the 2025 financial year.

Commenting on the performance, Wema’s managing director, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the bank’s commitment to sustaining its growth momentum and delivering value to stakeholders.

He said, “Wema Bank has delivered one of the strongest growth trajectories in its history. From a profit before tax of N14.75 billion three years ago, we grew to N43.59 billion in 2023 and reached N102 billion in 2024.

“In 2025, we have taken an even bolder step forward, recording a profit before tax of N221 billion. This performance reflects disciplined execution, a resilient business model, and the unwavering commitment of our people.”

Mr Oseni said digital innovation remained a central driver of the bank’s momentum, highlighting the launch of ALAT 2.0 as a major strategic milestone.

He added that the bank had successfully completed its capital raise, meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria recapitalisation requirements ahead of the regulatory deadline. According to him, this further positions the bank for sustained growth and long-term stability.

(NAN)