Zenith Bank Plc has been named the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards, retaining the title for the second consecutive year.
The bank’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, said the recognition reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable banking practices, setting a benchmark for excellence within the banking industry in Nigeria and beyond.
She said the bank has been a leader in monitoring and reporting sustainability impact.
Dr. Umeoji noted that since becoming the first bank in Africa to publish a stand-alone sustainability report in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core Option in 2016, Zenith Bank has consistently published assured stand-alone sustainability reports.
She pointed out that the bank is one of the few institutions in Nigeria that tracks its carbon emissions, using a certified tool built on the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
According to her, the bank is deeply committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, subscribing to the triple bottom-line principle, which encompasses people, planet and profit.
As a leading financial institution that services various sectors of the economy, the bank considers Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management critical to its sustainability strategy.
She said: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria for the second time in a row. This prestigious award underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability and reinforces our belief that responsible banking is essential for long-term success and societal impact.”
Dedicating the award to Dr. Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank Plc Founder and Chairman Dr. Umeoji.
She lauded the bank’s stakeholders for their commitment and unwavering support in ensuring that Zenith remains a highly successful institution.
Dr. Ameoji said: “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary and impactful leadership of our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia. His exceptional foresight and dedication has been the cornerstone of our success.
“His ability to inspire and guide with strategic acumen has been instrumental in steering Zenith Bank to new heights. Along with the strategic guidance of our esteemed Board members, the unwavering commitment of our ever-diligent staff, and the steadfast support of our loyal customers, Dr. Ovia’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming our sustainability initiatives into a reality.
“We owe this success to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his deep-seated commitment to redefining the banking landscape in Nigeria.”
Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker Magazine, United Kingdom (UK), is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on banking, finance and world affairs. Its influence, integrity, accuracy and objective opinion have earned it global recognition.
The International Banker Awards strive to recognise the most worthy financial institutions around the world – those not just doing their jobs well but exceptionally well – those operating at the industry’s cutting edge and setting new performance levels to which others will aspire. The 2024 Banking Awards focused on various criteria, including the provision of much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to enhance security and efficiency, commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, as well as intelligent investing to maximise profits and shareholder value.
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 14th consecutive year in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.
