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
Access Bank maintains a total of 470 branches across Nigeria supported by 8,939 employees, ranking fourth in network size.
Lagos hosts the largest share with 146 branches, followed by Abuja (31) and Rivers (25). The fewest branches are found in Taraba (1) and Bauchi (1), while Yobe has two.
Although Access Bank’s assets slightly declined to N39.09 trillion in H1 2025 from N41.50 trillion in FY 2024, customer deposits grew to N23.03 trillion.
The bank continues to balance physical outreach with digital banking dominance following its rapid expansion and mergers in recent years.
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