Nigeria’s 10 Largest Banks by Branch Network in 2026

Access Bank, FirstBank and Zenith Bank Lead Nigeria’s Physical Banking Footprint

Nigeria’s banking industry is becoming more digital, but physical branches are still very important. Mobile apps, USSD codes, online banking and agency banking have changed how many Nigerians access financial services, yet the country’s biggest banks continue to maintain wide branch networks across the country.

According to data compiled by Nairametrics Research from banks’ 2025 annual reports, investor presentations and available branch locators, Access Bank, FirstBank and Zenith Bank remain the three largest banks in Nigeria by branch network. Together, the three banks operate more than 1,400 branches nationwide.

This shows that even in the digital banking era, physical presence still matters. For many retail customers, SMEs, corporate clients and people in underserved communities, a bank branch remains a major access point for deposits, withdrawals, complaints, documentation, relationship management and financial support.

Why Bank Branches Still Matter in Nigeria

Nigeria remains a largely cash-reliant economy, despite the growth of digital payment platforms. For this reason, banks still need physical locations to serve customers who may not fully depend on mobile or internet banking.

Branches also help banks build trust, especially in areas where digital literacy is low or where customers prefer face-to-face service. For businesses, physical branches remain useful for cash handling, account management, loan processing and customer support.

While banks are investing heavily in technology, their branch networks continue to show how deeply they are connected to the Nigerian market.

Nigeria’s 10 Largest Banks by Branch Network in 2026

10. Stanbic IBTC — 129 Branches

Stanbic IBTC operates 129 branches across Nigeria. The bank has a smaller physical footprint compared to many of its peers, but it remains strong in corporate banking, wealth management, pensions and digital financial services.

In 2025, Stanbic IBTC’s total assets rose to N8.62 trillion from N6.91 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits increased to N4.37 trillion from N3.01 trillion.

9. Wema Bank — Over 155 Branches

Wema Bank has more than 155 branches in Nigeria. Although the bank is widely known for its digital banking platform, ALAT, it still maintains a physical branch network to support customers, SMEs and hybrid banking services.

The bank’s total assets increased to N5.07 trillion in 2025 from N3.59 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits rose to N3.29 trillion from N2.52 trillion.

8. Sterling Bank — 186 Branches

Sterling Bank operates 186 branches nationwide. The bank’s branch network is smaller than those of the biggest tier-one banks, reflecting its focus on digital channels, selected banking segments and customer-focused financial solutions.

Sterling Bank’s total assets grew to N3.91 trillion in 2025 from N3.54 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits also increased to N2.98 trillion from N2.52 trillion.

7. FCMB — 206 Branches

First City Monument Bank operates 206 branches across Nigeria. The bank continues to serve retail, SME and commercial banking customers through a mix of physical branches and digital platforms.

FCMB’s total assets rose to N7.63 trillion in 2025 from N7.05 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits also moved up slightly to N4.42 trillion from N4.30 trillion.

6. GTBank — 240 Branches

Guaranty Trust Bank operates 240 branches in Nigeria. Compared to some of its major competitors, GTBank has a more compact branch network, which reflects its long-standing focus on digital banking, efficiency and technology-led service delivery.

GTBank’s total assets increased to N17.76 trillion in 2025 from N14.80 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits rose to N12.55 trillion from N10.01 trillion.

5. Ecobank — 273 Branches

Ecobank operates 273 branches in Nigeria. Although its Nigerian branch count is moderate compared to some local competitors, the bank benefits from its wider pan-African presence.

Ecobank’s total assets increased to N49.66 trillion in 2025 from N43.30 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits also rose to N36.44 trillion from N31.64 trillion.

4. UBA — 327 Branches

United Bank for Africa operates 327 branches in Nigeria. The bank also has a wide African footprint, with more than 1,000 branches and touchpoints across the continent.

UBA’s total assets increased to N33.17 trillion in 2025 from N30.32 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits grew to N23.95 trillion from N21.89 trillion.

UBA’s branch network supports its domestic retail banking operations and its wider African banking strategy. The bank has also expanded beyond Africa, including its presence in Dubai’s financial centre.

3. Zenith Bank — 406 Branches

Zenith Bank ranks third with 406 branches across Nigeria. The bank remains one of the most visible financial institutions in the country, serving corporate, commercial and retail customers.

Zenith Bank’s total assets rose to N31.46 trillion in 2025 from N29.96 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits also increased to N24.33 trillion from N21.96 trillion.

Its strong branch network continues to support its growing digital banking operations and large customer base.

2. FirstBank — 550 Branches

FirstBank operates 550 branches across Nigeria, making it the second-largest bank in the country by branch network. As one of Nigeria’s oldest banks, FirstBank’s wide physical presence reflects its long history and deep reach across the country.

The bank’s total assets increased to N27.25 trillion in 2025 from N26.52 trillion in 2024, while customer deposits rose to N18.88 trillion from N17.17 trillion.

FirstBank’s branch network remains central to its retail banking, customer access and financial inclusion strategy.

1. Access Bank — 554 Branches

Access Bank ranks first as Nigeria’s largest bank by branch network, with 554 branches across the country. The bank’s wide physical presence reflects years of expansion, acquisitions and strong retail banking growth.

Access Bank’s total assets rose to N51.56 trillion in 2025 from N41.50 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits also increased to N34.56 trillion from N22.52 trillion.

With more than 700 branches across Africa, Access Bank continues to use both physical and digital channels to deepen its reach and serve a wider customer base.

The Bigger Picture

The ranking shows that Nigeria’s biggest banks are not abandoning physical banking, even as they push deeper into digital services.

Access Bank, FirstBank and Zenith Bank remain the strongest players by branch reach, while UBA and Ecobank continue to benefit from their broader African footprint. GTBank, Wema and Sterling show a different model, where digital banking plays a stronger role alongside selected physical locations.

For Nigeria’s banking industry, the message is clear: digital banking is growing, but branches are still part of the competition. In a market where trust, cash access and customer support remain important, physical presence continues to be a major advantage.