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Unity Bank Continues to Operating on Improved Key Performance Indicators
In its FYE 2020 audited results releases recently, Unity Bank posted reports that shows stronger and growing fundamentals across major indices and key performance indicators that alludes to healthy growth of its balance sheet on a consistent basis. The top-line performance was driven by improvement in net interest income margins which reported 16% growth. The Bank recorded Assets Growth of 67.90% to N492.02 Billion, and Gross Earnings of N42.71 Billion within the year under review. The Bank substantially grew its customers’ deposit portfolio to N356.62 billion, up from N257.69 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 38.4% growth. This affirms positive market uptake of the Bank’s product offerings, as well as the lender’s growing customer base to its recent aggressive push with agile customer-centric products, which has played a role in deepening financial services penetration especially to a wider world, underserved spectrum of the retail market.Other major highlights of the audited financial statement relate to growth in its net operating income which rose to N25.46 billion from N23.21 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 9.71% increase. This is even as the net interest income recorded a significant jump, as it rose by 7.60% to N17.75 billion from N16.49 billion in the corresponding period of 2019. Earnings per Share closed at 17.85 Kobo. Similarly, in the Bank’s unaudited Q1, 2021 results submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday, the retail lender’s Profit Before Tax grew by 43% to N784.3 million from N550.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2020.The Profit After Tax for the period which also grew by 43% stood at N721.5 million compared to the N506, 07 million recorded in Q1 2020.On the liquidity position, the Q1 2021 results recorded cash and balances with the Central Bank well above the threshold 27.5%, having posted a 326% increase to close at N111.2bn from 26.1bn in the corresponding period of 2020. This is even as the lender also grew customer deposits by 13% to N348.3 billion from N308.8 billion in the period under review, a strong indication of the growing popularity and acceptance of the Bank’s array of innovating products and services.As an outcome of increased focus on supporting local enterprises and industry, the asset column also showed a significant growth in loan portfolio of 76% as net loans and advances to customers increased to N223.2 billion from N126.6 billion in the corresponding period, with total assets for the period growing by 42% to close at N521. billion from N366.8 billion in the corresponding period of 2020.The Bank has been pushing transformation initiatives spearheaded by the new management. This is a strategic approach targeted at the youth market through several products such as the launch of omni-channel internet and life-style mobile application which is flagship UniFi, Multi-lingual USSD *777999# service which enables young people to bank, shop and interact. There is also the Corpreneurship Challenge, which is a pioneer initiative by the Bank targeted to drive entrepreneurship capacity of young graduates completing their national youth service.Unity Bank continues to build a valuable franchise in its agribusiness, the Bank has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting agricultural businesses over the past five years. The Bank has broken new grounds by partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria to deliver the long-held objective of ensuring self-sustainability in rice production pushed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This partnership has led to a reasonably high level of output in rice production, placing Nigeria on a path to self-sufficiency in rice production. The partnership with the rice farmers have so far generated no fewer than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and led to the cultivation of over 1 million hectares of farmland, across 26 States, producing no fewer than 2 million metric tonnes of rice this wet season alone.The Bank is consolidating on the gains from its core business areas and niche in the agribusiness sector. The Bank has solidly financed over one million farmers over the past three years. These farmers cut across several primary crop production such as rice, maize, cotton, wheat, sorghum, etc coupled with their rich value chains, and it hopes to continue to expand on this as its play its role in driving the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production. The Bank is consolidating on the gains from its core business areas and niche in the agribusiness sector. The Bank has solidly financed over one million farmers over the past three years. These farmers cut across several primary crop production such as rice, maize, cotton, wheat, sorghum, etc coupled with their rich value chains, and it hopes to continue to expand on this as its play its role in driving the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production.The Executive Management with full cooperation of the Board sold its NPL, a move that reflect the bold initiative of the new team to settle the issue of legacy loans once and for all and refocus the bank to leverage resources that will bring about top line performance by optimizing our technology, digital platforms and focusing our people on targeted opportunities across regions to deliver operational efficiency and improved customer service. With the de-risking of the balance sheet, the Bank has turned the corner, currently posting near zero percent NPL ratio along with the enhanced credit management process. Market analysts believe that the thorough diagnostics of the Bank as well as the bold, firm and strategic action by the new Board & Management to eliminate the drag on the Bank in the form of huge legacy non-performing loans remain a feat that will set the Bank up on the path of strong and sustainable growth and profitability. The Bank has continued to hone initiatives aimed at getting rid of inefficient operating structure which manifested in excessive costs, poor branch spread and inadequate application of technology amongst others. Despite the capital base, the efforts put in to revamp the institution has resulted in a leaner, smarter and dynamic Bank with a healthy Balance Sheet. Furthermore, with the progress being made on the ongoing capital raising, the Bank is firmly on course to achieving sustainable growth and sound performance.On capital raising, although the global pandemic delayed the capital raising process, the exercise is well on course. There is a clear process around capital injection which would be made public in due course.
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing 73790#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
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GTCO Proudly Headlines the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament as Main Sponsor— Championing Great Experiences and Heritage
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, is proud to announce its continued support as the main sponsor of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events. The 2026 edition will be held at the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, from Tuesday, January 27 to Sunday, February 15, bringing together top local and international polo teams and spectators from across the continent and beyond.
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament will feature top‑tier teams competing for major prizes, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup, among others. Guests can expect a fusion of thrilling equestrian action, polo-inspired lifestyle showcase, and curated hospitality experiences. The event will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences online to share in the excitement and spectacle.
Commenting on GTCO’s role as main sponsor of the Lagos International Polo Tournament, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence. Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage. Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”
The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament has long been celebrated not only for its thrilling competition and equestrian excellence but also for its rich heritage and cultural resonance within Africa’s sporting tradition. GTCO’s sponsorship embodies the Group’s commitment to creating platforms that unite communities and drive social impact across diverse audiences.
Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the completion of the tenure of Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi as Chairman of its Board of Directors effective December 31, 2025, and the appointment of Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu as the new Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026.
The board transitions are in alignment with the Bank’s policy and have been communicated to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Exchange Group, and other stakeholders.
Under Mr. Chike-Obi’s leadership, Fidelity Bank repaid its Eurobond, completed the first tranche of its public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 237 percent and 137.73 percent respectively, expanded internationally to the United Kingdom, and received improved ratings from various agencies amongst a long list of achievements. His tenure also saw the Bank strengthen its capital position, record steady growth in customer deposits and total assets, deepen its digital banking capabilities, and enhance its corporate and investment banking proposition. The bank equally made notable progress in governance, risk management, and operational efficiency, all of which contributed to strengthened market confidence and the Bank’s sustained upward performance trajectory.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank. The dedication of our Board, management, and staff has enabled us to reach significant milestones. I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders.”
Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu’s appointment marks a new chapter for Fidelity Bank. She joined the Board in December 2020 and has chaired key committees. With over 30 years of banking experience, including executive roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited and Skye Bank Plc. She holds degrees in Economics, Corporate Governance, and Business Administration, and has attended executive programmes at global institutions. Mrs. Onwughalu is a Fellow of several professional bodies and has received awards for accountability and financial management
“I am honoured to lead the Board of Fidelity Bank at this exciting time. Our recent achievements have set a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive our strategy and deliver sustainable value,” commented Mrs. Onwughalu.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
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