By Muhammad Mamman
Abuja, Nigeria – Zenith Bank has emerged as Nigeria’s leading export financing institution, accounting for 32.31 percent of all Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) transactions nationwide in 2025 — the highest share among the country’s 30 commercial banks.
The milestone underscores the bank’s growing dominance in trade finance and its strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s export diversification drive under the leadership of Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) shows that Nigeria’s non-oil exports surged to a record $6.1bn in 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in the country’s push to reduce dependence on crude oil revenues.
Driving Nigeria’s Diversification Agenda
The sharp rise in non-oil export earnings signals expanding opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals and value-added services. Analysts say financial institutions with strong trade-finance capabilities have played a critical role in easing exporters’ access to funding, foreign exchange services and cross-border transaction support.
Zenith Bank’s 32.31 percent share of NXP transactions places it ahead of its peers in facilitating export proceeds documentation and processing — a key requirement in Nigeria’s export ecosystem.
Industry observers attribute the bank’s performance to its structured export finance products, digital banking infrastructure and sector-focused lending strategies aimed at boosting competitiveness among Nigerian exporters.
Expanding Support Across Sectors
As diversification gains pace, Zenith Bank continues to extend financing solutions to exporters across multiple sectors, helping businesses scale production, meet international standards and access global markets.
The record $6.1bn non-oil export figure represents a significant benchmark for Africa’s largest economy, as policymakers intensify efforts to stabilise foreign exchange inflows and strengthen external reserves.
With Nigeria seeking sustainable economic growth beyond hydrocarbons, the banking sector’s role in facilitating trade finance is expected to remain pivotal — and Zenith Bank’s current market leadership places it at the centre of that transformation.
