Access, Zenith top Nigeria’s most valuable brands

Access Bank and Zenith Bank have emerged as Nigeria’s most valuable brands, with the country’s top 25 brands recording a 14 percent increase in total brand value to N5.01 trillion, according to the latest ranking by Brand Finance.

According to the Nigeria 25 2026 report, the banking sector accounted for 61 percent of total brand value at N3.05 trillion, maintaining its lead across sectors.

Access Bank retained its position as the most valuable brand for the fifth consecutive year, despite a 13 percent decline in brand value to N773.2 billion.

Read also: Nigeria’s biggest banks lead Africa in brand value growth rate

“The bank recorded a 17 percent decline in Nigerian income and a 14 percent increase in income from African operations and ranked 320th among the world’s top 500 banking brands,” the report disclosed.

Zenith Bank ranked second with a 20 percent increase in brand value to N547 billion, supported by growth in interest and non-interest income, digital investment, and expansion into African and European markets. The bank invested about $100 million in upgrading its core banking systems.

GTCO placed third with a 3 percent increase in brand value to N540.7 billion, reporting income growth across banking operations and other revenue lines. Its brand strategy included engagement through its food and drink festival.

The report disclosed that Seplat Energy recorded the highest growth in brand value, rising 97 percent to N194.5 billion, driven by higher production, improved cash generation, and consolidation of offshore assets. The company ranked ninth, entering the top 10 for the first time.

First Bank of Nigeria emerged as the strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 92.2 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating, supported by its focus on SMEs and private banking clients.

Other brands in the ranking include Dangote Cement in fourth place, Flour Mills of Nigeria in fifth, United Bank for Africa in sixth, Stanbic IBTC in eighth, and BUA Cement in tenth.

The report defines brand value as the economic benefit a company would derive from licensing its brand, while brand strength measures performance across investment, stakeholder perception, and business outcomes.

Read also: Zenith Bank posts Africa’s strongest brand value growth

Babatunde Odumeru, managing director, Brand Finance, Nigeria, said Nigeria’s top brands are proving that resilience today is defined by adaptability. While the collective brand value continues to rise, the real story lies in how brands such as Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and GTCO are navigating economic headwinds through strategic expansion, digital investment, and diversified revenue streams.

“Standout growth from Seplat Energy shows that the market continues to reward operational discipline and strong strategic positioning, while First Bank of Nigeria’s emergence as the country’s strongest brand highlights how long-established institutions can remain relevant by combining heritage and customer-focused transformation. In this environment, brands that pair relevance with execution will be best placed to sustain long-term value,” Odumeru added.