Despite the rapid rise of mobile banking, USSD transactions, fintech apps and digital wallets, Nigeria's biggest banks are proving that physical branches are far from dead.

A new industry ranking has revealed that Access Bank now operates the largest branch network in Nigeria, edging past FirstBank and reinforcing its aggressive expansion strategy across the country and the African continent.

According to data compiled from banks' 2025 annual reports and investor presentations, Access Bank leads the pack with 554 branches nationwide, narrowly surpassing FirstBank's 550 branches, while Zenith Bank occupies third place with 406 branches.

The ranking highlights a surprising reality. While many predicted that digital banking would make physical branches obsolete, Nigeria's leading financial institutions continue to invest heavily in brick and mortar banking to serve millions of customers, particularly in communities where cash transactions still dominate daily life.

The Top 10 Largest Banks by Branch Network in Nigeria are:

🥇 Access Bank – 554 branches
🥈 FirstBank – 550 branches
🥉 Zenith Bank – 406 branches
4. UBA – 327 branches
5. Ecobank – 273 branches
6. GTBank – 240 branches
7. FCMB – 206 branches
8. Sterling Bank – 186 branches
9. Wema Bank – 155 branches

🔟 Stanbic IBTC – 129 branches

Beyond branch numbers, the report also shows the massive scale of Nigeria's banking industry. Access Bank recorded total assets of over ₦51.5 trillion, making it the largest among the banks reviewed, while Ecobank and UBA also posted asset bases exceeding ₦30 trillion.

The competition among Nigerian banks is no longer just about deposits and profits. It is now a race for visibility, accessibility and market dominance across Africa.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: while fintechs continue to disrupt the industry, traditional banks are adapting rather than disappearing. Mobile apps may be growing, but physical branches remain a powerful symbol of trust, reach and customer access in Africa's largest economy.
Source: