By Peter Egwuatu

Wema Bank Plc has posted a remarkable 316% surge in shareholders’ equity over the past two years, climbing to N491.02 billion from N118.30 billion strengthening its shock-absorbing capacity and positioning the bank for sustained growth in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive banking landscape.
The significant capital enhancement also puts Wema Bank ahead of the March 2026 recapitalisation deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, giving it a strategic advantage over many of its peers. In comparison,
Wema Bank also outshines many banks in its 12 months Return on Assets (ROA) which hit 4.60%compares with FCMB Group,- 1.30%, AccessCorp-1.40%,FirstHoldCo-2.20%, UBA-2.40%, Jaiz Bank -2.60%, Zenith Bank -3.20%, Livingtrust Mortgage bank -3.20%, Fidelity Bank- 3.90%, and GTCO – 3.90%.
In addition to the capital growth, Wema Bank has recorded solid revenue expansion, increasing from N75.22 billion in Q4 2023 to N161.26 billion in Q3 2025. Total assets similarly grew from N2.25 trillion to N3.98 trillion during the same period, reflecting the bank’s expanding lending portfolio and deeper market penetration. Its sector-leading 12-month Return on Assets (ROA) of 4.60% further underscores its superior performance compared with peers in the Nigerian banking industry.
Independent Analysts from Global Asset Management Nigeria, posited that, given the rising size of the Bank’s loan book and revenue base, the stronger capital structure would also improve the bank’s long-term competitiveness.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Global Asset Management (Nig.) Limited, Sir Babatunde Sobamowo, stated that Wema Bank had consistently demonstrated earnings growth and solid return on equity.
According to Tajudeen Olayinka, Chief Executive Officer of Wyoming Capital and Partners, the confidence shown by Wema Bank’s core investors reflects the bank’s robust fundamentals and the management’s demonstrated capacity to realize its promising prospects.
David Adonri, Chief Executive Officer of High Cap Securities Limited, noted that Wema Bank has been transformed into a viable investment-grade stock, driven by its markedly improved fundamentals. He expressed belief that the bank’s outlook is promising and that it is well-positioned to deliver on investors’ expectations.
Pastor Adebayo Adeleke, shareholder activist and GMD of the Lancelot Group, stated that Wema Bank’s ability to withstand economic pressures for over 80 years highlights its resilience and adaptability. He added that the bank has appealed to younger generations through ICT innovations and that shareholders remain eager to buy more of its shares.
Bisi Bakare, Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described Wema Bank as the investors’ choice, noting that it is the only indigenous bank still standing in Nigeria. She commended the leadership of Mr. Oseni Moruf and highlighted the bank’s consistent year-on-year improvement over the past two years.
Boniface Okezie, President of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), stated that Wema Bank has been successfully reengineered, making shareholders confident in the value of their investment. He said the bank’s strong performance and promising outlook encourage shareholders to further strengthen their portfolios.