Nigerian banks see strong investor demand as UBA trades approach ₦200bn in H1 2026

United Bank for Africa (UBA) recorded almost ₦200 billion in share trades during the first half of 2026, with investor activity peaking in May when 1.37 billion shares were exchanged, valued at about ₦59 billion. Daily trading volume rose from roughly 10 million shares in January to over 68 million in May before easing in June.

In 2025 the Nigerian banking sector completed a large recapitalisation, with 33 of 37 banks raising a combined N4.65 trillion. Despite asset growth of 14% to N196.8 trillion and a 24% increase in shareholders’ funds, total profit after tax for the ten major banks fell 11.9% year‑on‑year to N4.26 trillion. Non‑performing loans rose to 8.12%, above the 5% benchmark, and return on equity dropped sharply. Rankings of the best‑performing banks highlighted FCMB’s 141% profit‑after‑tax growth, while UBA and FBN recorded significant profit declines.