Shareholders of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) have commended the institution for declaring a record N12.76 dividend for the 2025 financial year.

GTCO declared an interim dividend of N1 per share for June 2025 and a final dividend of N11.76, bringing total payout to N12.76.

At the company’s fifth Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, shareholders praised its strong 2025 performance and compliance with the Central Bank’s N500 billion capital requirement.

Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Nigerian Shareholders’ Solidarity Association, said he was “excited” by the payout, noting the board’s discipline in sustaining dividends.

Mrs Bisi Bakare, Chairman of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said, “GTCO has set a benchmark with the N12.76 dividend payout.”

She added, “It is historic for a Nigerian bank, and management should sustain this rewarding gesture for shareholders.”

Board Chairman, Suleiman Barau, said the Group had evolved into a broader financial services ecosystem beyond traditional banking operations.

He said: “This diversification reflects a strategic effort to serve customers comprehensively while creating multiple engines of sustainable growth.

“A diversified ecosystem allows greater balance across cycles, reduces risk concentration, and broadens value for individuals, businesses and institutional clients.”

He stressed that management discipline continued to underpin the Group’s risk culture amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions.

“In a fluid environment, maintaining a healthy balance sheet and strong credit practices is essential.

“The Board remains committed to growth anchored in careful risk assessment, responsible lending and robust internal controls,” he said.

He noted that resilience during uncertainty defined strong institutions and reflected years of disciplined leadership and long-term value creation.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, described 2025 as “a year of deepening integration” across GTCO’s business segments.

“We leveraged data, digital tools and operational insight to create seamless experiences for customers across Africa and the United Kingdom.

“By connecting solutions, we extend reach and amplify value delivered to customers,” Agbaje said.

Agbaje said 2025 marked a milestone with GTCO’s listing on the London Stosck Exchange’s main market.

“This achievement strengthens our capital base and enhances liquidity, making us the first West African financial institution listed on the LSE main market,” he said.

Looking ahead, Agbaje said execution discipline would remain central to the Group’s strategy in 2026.

He said: “By integrating our ecosystem, deepening engagement and leveraging technology, we will deliver meaningful experiences and long-term impact.

“In spite of macroeconomic uncertainties, GTCO enters 2026 confident, resilient and focused on sustained growth.

“Our next chapter promises to be as historic as the last, and we appreciate shareholders’ continued trust and partnership.” (NAN)

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