Onome Amuge
Nigeria’s financial institutions have emerged as the strongest brands in the country, with the banking sector increasingly asserting its dominance within the top ten, according to the latest report from Brand Finance, the UK-based brand valuation consultancy.
The report indicated a growing recognition of the Nigerian banking sector’s resilience and adaptability, particularly given its crucial role in driving the nation’s economy forward. Consequently, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), and Access Bank have collectively positioned themselves at the forefront of brand strength in Nigeria.
The Nigeria 25 2025″ report ranked United Bank for Africa as Nigeria’s strongest brand in 2025. UBA’s ascent is notable, climbing from ninth position in 2024 to claim the top spot for brand strength in 2025. The bank achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.4 out of 100, earning a corresponding AAA+ rating , the highest accolade for brand strength awarded by Brand Finance. The consultancy firm attributed UBA’s strong performance to its excellence in key research metrics, including high scores in brand familiarity, preference, and consideration, signalling robust consumer trust and loyalty.
“Notably, the bank scores exceptionally well on price acceptance, outperforming other leading African peers – such as Capitec in South Africa and and Equity Bank in Kenya – on this metric,” the report stated.
UBA’s prioritisation of digital banking, innovation, and technology investments over the past year were cited as essential drivers of brand strength within Africa’s dynamic banking sector, aimed at enhancing customer experience and engagement.
Banking sector’s growing prowess in brand strength
Following UBA, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) advanced remarkably, moving from 11th position to second for brand strength, also securing a BSI score of 92.1/100 and an AAA+ rating. Brand Finance identified FBN’s excellence across key metrics such as familiarity, reputation, consideration, and preference, attributing this improvement to its focus on innovation, digital transformation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
On the other hand, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) saw a decline in its brand strength ranking, falling from first to third place, despite a marginal increase in its BSI score to 89.5/100. Access Bank, meanwhile, made a substantial leap, climbing to fourth place from 12th in 2024, driven predominantly by improved performance across key research metrics.
Access Bank retains title of Nigeria’s most valuable brand
In terms of brand value, Access Bank Plc retained its position as the most valuable Nigerian brand for the fourth consecutive year. Its brand value more than doubled to N893.3 billion, underscoring its notable market presence and financial heft.
Dangote Cement secured second place with its brand value rising by 74 per cent to N562.5 billion, underpinned by robust profits and a commanding market presence. GTCO rose to third, nearly tripling its brand value to N524.7 billion.
Other leading banks demonstrated solid performances in brand value despite prevailing inflationary pressures and currency volatility. Zenith Bank’s brand value increased by 80 per cent to N454.8 billion, retaining fourth position. United Bank for Africa (UBA), while top in brand strength, saw its brand value rise by 58 per cent to N341 billion, placing it sixth. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) remained in seventh position, with its brand value experiencing a 168 per cent increase to N289 billion.
Further down the top ten, Flour Mills Nigeria slipped to fifth place despite a 40 per cent increase in brand value to N452.9 billion. The report noted the brand’s strong revenue growth in 2024, driven by higher sales across its food, agro-allied, and sugar businesses, operating in Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic environment.
BUA Cement’s brand value climbed by 63 per cent to N138.7 billion, securing ninth place. Stanbic IBTC, another banking brand, ascended from 13th to eighth position, with its brand value soaring by 206 per cent to N229.5 billion. Glo Mobile also entered the top ten, rising five places after its brand value increased by 138 per cent to N130.4 billion.
Hero Lager saw a decline in its brand value, dropping by 51 per cent to N42.1 billion, causing it to fall from ninth to 20th place in 2025. This reflects a broader downturn in the Nigerian alcoholic drinks market, according to Brand Finance.
