Ecobank, FirstHoldCo, 3 Other Nigerian Banks Rake in N2.22 Trillion From Lending to Customers

Five Nigerian banks, including Ecobank and FirstHoldCo, collectively earned N2.22 trillion from lending to customers in the first half of 2025, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. This increase in revenue aligns with the Monetary Policy Rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Despite efforts to stabilize the economy, high inflation rates persist, leading to challenges in borrowing for businesses and individuals. The banks reported a total of N5 trillion in interest income, with Ecobank Transnational Incorporated leading the pack with N1.3 billion.

Additionally, the banks collectively reported N5 trillion in interest costs, reflecting the prevailing economic environment across many African countries. In other news, Jaiz Bank Plc recently rebranded to reflect its commitment to ethical financial services.