Top 10 Nigerian Banks With The Highest Number Of Branches In 2025

Top 10 Nigerian Banks With The Highest Number Of Branches In 2025

Nigeria’s leading banks are extending their physical and digital reach nationwide, even as the industry moves deeper into technology-driven services. First Bank remains the country’s most widespread lender, operating 766 branches as of the first half of 2025.

Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from official bank websites and branch locators show that First Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank remain the most visible lenders across the country, each maintaining hundreds of branches across the country. Their presence explains how traditional banking networks still matter in a market where many customers rely on face-to-face service.

While mobile apps, USSD codes, and online platforms have transformed banking convenience, the country’s top lenders continue to invest in branch infrastructure to sustain personal connections and reach underserved communities. Notably, most banks have their largest concentration of branches in Lagos, with significantly fewer in northern states such as Zamfara, Yobe, and Taraba.

Polaris Bank and Unity/Providus Bank would have ranked 6th and 7th with 253 and 236 branches, however, the bank’s 2024 and H1 2025 financial statements were unavailable at the time of this report.

Below is a breakdown of the 10 banks with the largest branch networks in Nigeria.

Top 10 banks with the highest branches in the country

10. Sterling Bank – 129 Branches

Sterling Bank maintains 129 branches with 3,826 employees, one of the smallest branch networks among Nigeria’s major commercial banks. The highest concentrations are in Lagos (48), Ogun (7), and Rivers (6), while Sokoto, Kwara, and Enugu each have one outlet according to available information.

Sterling’s assets rose to N4.08 trillion in H1 2025 from N3.54 trillion in full year (FY) 2024, supported by customer deposits of N2.78 trillion.

With fewer physical branches, Sterling Bank is leaning more on digital channels and tailored solutions to stay closer to customers under its “One Customer” strategy.

9. Stanbic IBTC – 150 Branches

Stanbic IBTC Bank operates 150 branches across Nigeria with 3,243 employees, its largest presence is in Lagos (53), Oyo (12), and Abuja (11), while Adamawa, Ebonyi, and Ekiti each have one branch.

The bank’s total assets rose sharply to N8.12 trillion in H1 2025 from N6.91 trillion FY 2024, while deposits hit N3.43 trillion.

Stanbic IBTC’s steady branch growth reflects its focus on wealth management and corporate banking, staying true to its “One Bank” promise of specialized service.

8. Wema Bank – 153 Branches

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s pioneer digital bank and operator of ALAT in 2017 maintains 153 physical branches across the country supported by 2,342 staff. Although banks like GTB, First Bank, Access and Zenith already had mobile banking apps before 2017.

The bulk of its outlets are in Lagos (44), Ogun (21), and Oyo (16), while Zamfara, Benue, and Kogi host only one each.

Wema’s assets grew to N3.97 trillion in H1 2025, from N3.59 trillion in FY 2024, and deposits reached N2.60 trillion.

Despite its digital-first reputation, Wema’s physical presence in the Southwest support hybrid banking and SME penetration.

7. FCMB – 202 Branches

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has 202 branches nationwide with 3,796 employees, with a major presence in Lagos (62), Abuja (21), and Rivers (13).

Its smallest representation is in Zamfara, Yobe, and Kogi, where the bank runs just one branch each according to available.
FCMB’s total assets rose to N7.54 trillion in H1 2025 from N7.05 trillion FY 2024, while customer deposits grew to N4.54 trillion.

The mid-tier bank is widening its digital reach while keeping key physical branches in high-growth areas.

6. Guaranty Trust Bank – 236 Branches

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) operates 236-branch network across Nigeria with a workforce of 5,803. The highest concentration is in Lagos (100 branches), Rivers (18), and Abuja (16). The fewest outlets are in Zamfara, Yobe, and Taraba—one branch each.

GTBank’s assets grew to N16.69 trillion in H1 2025 from N14.80 trillion, with deposits climbing to N11.88 trillion.

The bank’s compact physical footprint aligns with its heavy investment in digital banking platforms and its reputation for operational agility.

5. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated – 403 Branches

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) holds the largest asset base among Nigerian banks, reaching N49.09 trillion in H1 2025 from N43.30 trillion in FY 2024.

Despite its size, the group maintains a moderate 403 branches across Nigeria with 14,560 employees, concentrated in Lagos (134), Delta (37), and Abuja (30). Katsina, Taraba, and Yobe have the fewest branches, with just one to three outlets each.

ETI’s customer deposits surged to N36.56 trillion from N31.64 trillion in FY 2024, reflecting its strength as a pan-African network rather than a purely domestic branch-driven operation.

4. Access Bank – 470 Branches

Access Bank maintains a total of 470 branches across Nigeria supported by 8,939 employees, ranking fourth in network size.

Lagos hosts the largest share with 146 branches, followed by Abuja (31) and Rivers (25). The fewest branches are found in Taraba (1) and Bauchi (1), while Yobe has two.

Although Access Bank’s assets slightly declined to N39.09 trillion in H1 2025 from N41.50 trillion in FY 2024, customer deposits grew to N23.03 trillion.

The bank continues to balance physical outreach with digital banking dominance following its rapid expansion and mergers in recent years.

3. Zenith Bank – 490 Branches 

Zenith Bank operates 490 branches nationwide with a workforce of 7,704 employees, reflecting a focused distribution strategy tied to Nigeria’s key commercial centers.

The bank’s largest presence is in Lagos (149), Abuja (50), and Delta (19), while Gombe and Zamfara have just one branch each, and Yobe two.
Zenith’s assets rose to N30.99 trillion in H1 2025, up from N29.96 trillion in FY 2024, with customer deposits expanding to N23.48 trillion.

The bank’s branch model underscores its commitment to digital transformation while keeping a strong presence where customer demand is highest.

2. UBA Expands – 586 Branches

United Bank for Africa (UBA) operates 586 branches across Nigeria supported by 9,323 staff, ranking second in branch network after First Bank.

UBA’s strongest footprints are in Lagos (172), Rivers (32), and Abuja, Anambra, and Edo (25 each), while Zamfara, Kebbi, and Gombe record the fewest with four branches each.

The Pan-African bank’s total assets climbed to N33.27 trillion in H1 2025 from N30.32 trillion FY 2024, supported by customer deposits of N24.19 trillion.

The branch expansion aligns with UBA’s focus on domestic retail growth and digital service penetration across Africa.

1. First Bank – 766 Branches

First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as the country’s most widely spread lender, operating 766 branches nationwide and nearly 9,950 employees as of the first half of 2025.

The bank’s largest presence is in Lagos (179 branches), followed by Abuja and Gombe (38 each). In contrast, Bayelsa and Jigawa host just two branches each, while Nasarawa has four.

Fist Bank’s extensive reach complements its strong balance sheet, with total assets rising to N27.20 trillion in H1 2025 from N26.52 trillion in FY 2024, and customer deposits increasing to N17.90 trillion.

The wide branch spread reinforces its heritage as Nigeria’s oldest bank and a key driver of financial inclusion across urban and rural areas.

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