some of the banks will shock you. Better buy your if you have not.
Best-performing banking stocks on the NGX in 2025
United Bank for Africa (UBA) – 22.50%
UBA’s share price rose from N34.00 to N41.65, supported by confidence in its pan-African footprint, steady earnings, and expanding digital banking initiatives. July stood out with a sharp 96.33% rally, the strongest single-month performance among Nigerian banks in 2025.
Sterling Financial Holding Company Plc – 25.89%
Sterling climbed from N5.60 to N7.05, reflecting improving sentiment around its retail banking push and asset quality improvements. July and August were particularly strong, with gains of 22.81% and 11.43%, respectively.
FCMB Group Plc – 28.19%
FCMB advanced from N9.40 to N12.05, buoyed by its retail-led growth strategy and digital banking expansion. Gains were spread across the year, with January’s 17.55% increase leading monthly performances.
Zenith Bank Plc – 35.82%
Zenith Bank closed 2025 at N61.80 from N45.50, reinforcing its reputation for earnings consistency, liquidity strength, and reliable dividend payouts. July delivered its strongest rally at 34.33%.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated – 49.64%
Ecobank’s share price rose from N28.00 to N41.90, supported by diversified pan-African revenues and operational efficiency improvements. Strong gains were recorded in July and December.
Jaiz Bank Plc – 51.67%
Jaiz Bank climbed from N3.00 to N4.55, reflecting growing acceptance of its non-interest banking model. Performance was driven by speculative momentum, particularly in the second half of the year.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) – 59.12%
GTCO closed 2025 at N90.70, benefiting from investor preference for well-capitalised tier-one banks with predictable cash flows. Strong rallies were recorded in June and July amid sector-wide optimism.
First HoldCo Plc – 70.77%
First HoldCo surged from N28.05 to N47.90, driven by renewed confidence in its restructuring efforts, capital position, and earnings outlook. December’s 54.27% rally dominated its annual performance.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc – 73.61%
Stanbic IBTC rose from N57.60 to N100.00, supported by diversified earnings across banking, asset management, and pensions, as well as strong dividend appeal. Mid-year rallies reflected renewed interest in fundamentally strong stocks.
Wema Bank Plc – 124.18%
Wema Bank led the sector, climbing from N9.10 to N20.40 by year-end. The rally reflected optimism around its digital banking strategy, expanding retail footprint, and improving profitability metrics, with July’s 47.16% surge marking the peak of investor enthusiasm.
