Nigeria has more than 20 commercial banks with branches spread across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Some of the popular commercial banks in Nigeria include Zenith Bank, First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa, Access Bank etc.
These banks have millions of customers that have accounts with them and to whom they render different banking services. But then, out of all the commercial banks in Nigeria which has the most customers? Our major focus in this article will be to talk about the bank that has the most customers in Nigeria.
Which Bank Has the Most Customers in Nigeria?
With over 42 million customers, Access Bank not only has the most customers in Nigeria but in Africa.
Access Bank Plc (commonly referred to as “Access Bank”) is a Nigerian multinational commercial bank that was founded in 1989 and owned by Access Bank Group. The bank started as a corporate bank and expanded into personal and business banking in 2012. The CEO of Access Bank is Herbert Wigwe.
On April 1, 2019, Access Bank and Diamond Bank merged. This merger didn’t bring about any name change since Access Bank is already bigger than Diamond Bank. Access Bank’s conclusion of its merger with Diamond Bank saw it unveil its new logo, which signaled the commencement of a new enlarged banking entity.
As of 2021, Access bank employs more than 28,000 people and has hundreds of branches across Nigeria. The bank also has subsidiaries in countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Mozambique, Zambia, Congo, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Also, Access Bank Group maintains representative offices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, India, and Lebanon.
After Access Bank’s merger with Diamond Bank, Access Bank plc became the largest bank not only in Nigeria but in Africa by customer base with over 42 million customers. Also, through this merger, Access Bank became the largest bank in Nigeria by assets which is valued at US $25.5 billion (N10.055 trillion) as of 2021.
According to a report, Access Bank emerged on top as the bank with the largest customer deposits in Nigeria with N6.2 trillion.
Which bank has the most branches in Nigeria?
After its merger with Diamond Bank, Access Bank became the largest bank and also the bank with the most branches in Nigeria. Access Bank operates about 600 branches in Nigeria.
Outside Nigeria, Access bank has branches in about 10 African countries, two branches in the United Kingdom (UK), and a representative office in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), the People’s Republic of China, India (Mumbia), and Lebanon (Beirut).
Which bank is the oldest bank in Nigeria?
First Bank is Nigeria’s oldest bank. The bank was established in 1894 and wholly-owned by FBN Holdings plc – itself having diversified ownership with over 1.3 million shareholders. First Bank was declared a public company in 1970 and got enlisted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1971. First Bank is part of FUGAZ which is the top 5 biggest and best banks in Nigeria.
Which Bank is the best bank in Nigeria?
Zenith Bank Plc is the best bank in Nigeria as of 2021. Zenith Bank Plc was awarded as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Magazine’s Best Banks Awards 2021. With this award, Zenith Bank has retained its position as the best bank in Nigeria for a second consecutive year.
Who owns Zenith Bank?
Jim Ovia is the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc. As at December 2021, Zenith Bank is one of Africa’s largest banks with over $22.80 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds of US$3.03 billion.
Conclusion
When it comes to the bank that has the largest customer base in Nigeria, Access comes out on top. After its merger with Diamond Bank, Access Bank boasts over 42 million customers which is more than any Nigerian bank and the largest in Africa.