Zenith Bank assures shareholders of 2025 dividends amid CBN forbearance clampdown

Zenith Bank Plc has moved to calm shareholder concerns following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent directive suspending dividend payouts, bonuses, and fresh foreign investments for banks still operating under unresolved regulatory forbearance.

The tier-1 lender has affirmed that its dividend payments remain on track and unaffected by the new policy.

In a regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange, Zenith confirmed it had already surpassed the CBN’s newly mandated minimum capital requirement of 500 billion.

The bank also clarified that its current forbearance status relates to a single obligor under the Single Obligor Limit (SOL) rule, which it aims to resolve by June 30, 2025.

“With respect to the forbearance granted on other credit facilities, the Bank confirms that this applies only to two customers,” the statement read. Zenith added that it had made substantial provisions for these facilities and expects full resolution before the end of the first half of 2025.

READ ALSO: Zenith Bank named ‘Best Bank in Nigeria’ at Global Finance Awards 2025 for 5th time

“Upon completion, the Bank will no longer be under any forbearance arrangements in this regard,” the filing stated.

The CBN’s circular, issued on June 13, seeks to phase out the regulatory leniency granted during the COVID-19 era. The new directive bars banks with active forbearance status from paying dividends or investing offshore until they fully regularize all affected exposures.

While the policy has rattled investor sentiment, particularly for tier-1 institutions like Zenith, FirstBank, and Access Bank, Zenith Bank has been quick to reassure stakeholders of its strong capital base and commitment to compliance.

“We remain confident that the Bank will satisfy all relevant conditions to enable it to pay dividends to shareholders in the current year,” Zenith noted.

The bank’s proactive communication appears aimed at stabilizing market sentiment amid heightened scrutiny.

Banking stocks on the Nigerian Exchange have shown signs of pressure since the CBN’s clampdown, as investors weigh the implications for profitability and shareholder returns.

Zenith’s early resolution timeline and financial transparency are expected to boost confidence as the bank prepares to exit all forbearance-related monitoring by mid-2025.