By Seyi Odewale
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc has reported a 9.4 per cent increase in total assets to N33.2trn for the year ended December 31, 2025, up from N30.3trn in 2024, as it repositioned its balance sheet for sustainable growth.
Audited results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed customer deposits rose by 11.8 per cent to N27.2trn from N24.3trn in the previous year.
Gross earnings came in at N3.09trn, slightly below the N3.19trn recorded in 2024, reflecting the impact of the bank’s “prudent and forward-looking risk management decisions.”
The bank recorded loan loss provisions of N331bn and fair value changes on derivatives amounting to N278bn, which weighed on profitability but were described as largely non-recurring.
Despite this, UBA posted an operating profit of over N1 trillion before these exceptional items, underscoring the resilience of its core banking operations.
Shareholders’ funds rose by 24.3 per cent to N4.25trn from N3.42trn, while share capital and premium climbed to N505bn following a successful rights issue. The bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 23.2 per cent.
The lender also strengthened recovery efforts on delinquent exposures, with management projecting that recoveries will positively impact earnings from 2026.
With operations in 20 African countries and presence in the United States, United Kingdom, France and the UAE, UBA’s Pan-African business contributed over 50 per cent of assets, revenue and profit. West Africa delivered 53 per cent profit growth, while East and Southern Africa recorded a 61 per cent increase.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said the results highlight the strength of the bank’s diversified model.
“The 2025 financial year was defined by UBA’s proactive approach to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirements. Our capital raise was oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in our long-term strategy.”
He added that the bank raised N395bn in additional capital to support expansion and lending.
“Looking ahead, UBA is well-positioned to accelerate growth… with expectations of over N1 trillion in additional growth in the near term.”
Alawuba also pointed to increased investment in digital banking and innovation to scale income streams.
Executive Director, Finance & Risk Management, Ugo Nwaghodoh, said the bank’s strategy reflects a shift toward more sustainable earnings.
“We believe that proactively recognising potential credit losses positions us well to navigate uncertainties and support sustainable performance in future periods.”
He noted that the reversal of prior-year derivative gains and foreign exchange-related losses impacted non-interest income but would not recur at similar levels.
“These will not recur in this magnitude and should result in future earnings upside.”
He added that UBA exited the CBN forbearance regime in 2025 with strong capital and liquidity buffers, positioning it for improved performance.
