Nigeria’s leading banks are extending their physical and digital reach nationwide, even as the industry moves deeper into technology-driven services. First Bank remains the country’s most widespread lender, operating 766 branches as of the first half of 2025.
Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from official bank websites and branch locators show that First Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank remain the most visible lenders across the country, each maintaining hundreds of branches across the country. Their presence explains how traditional banking networks still matter in a market where many customers rely on face-to-face service.
While mobile apps, USSD codes, and online platforms have transformed banking convenience, the country’s top lenders continue to invest in branch infrastructure to sustain personal connections and reach underserved communities. Notably, most banks have their largest concentration of branches in Lagos, with significantly fewer in northern states such as Zamfara, Yobe, and Taraba
Polaris Bank and Unity/Providus Bank would have ranked 6th and 7th with 253 and 236 branches, however, the bank’s 2024 and H1 2025 financial statements were unavailable at the time of this report.
Below is a breakdown of the 10 banks with the largest branch networks in Nigeria.
Top 10 banks with the highest branches in the country
First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as the country’s most widely spread lender, operating 766 branches nationwide and nearly 9,950 employees as of the first half of 2025.
The bank’s largest presence is in Lagos (179 branches), followed by Abuja and Gombe (38 each). In contrast, Bayelsa and Jigawa host just two branches each, while Nasarawa has four.
Fist Bank’s extensive reach complements its strong balance sheet, with total assets rising to N27.20 trillion in H1 2025 from N26.52 trillion in FY 2024, and customer deposits increasing to N17.90 trillion.
The wide branch spread reinforces its heritage as Nigeria’s oldest bank and a key driver of financial inclusion across urban and rural areas.
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