United Bank for Africa (UBA) has emerged as the strongest Nigerian brand in the latest Brand Finance Nigeria 25 report. According to the independent brand valuation consultancy, UBA rose from the ninth position in 2024 to top the brand strength rankings this year, earning a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.4 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating, the highest accolade for brand strength awarded by Brand Finance.

The report highlights that UBA’s outstanding performance was driven by consistently high scores in brand familiarity, preference, and consideration within its home market. These metrics reflect strong consumer trust, brand loyalty and a broad acceptance of the bank’s value proposition, including price acceptance, where UBA outperformed other major African peers such as South Africa’s Capitec and Kenya’s Equity Bank.

Further cementing its position, UBA has also been ranked as the 13th strongest banking brand globally among the top 500 banking brands, underscoring its increasing international influence. The bank’s strong showing comes at a time when the financial sector is taking a leading role in driving Nigeria’s economic identity, with banking brands dominating this year’s brand rankings.

In addition to its strength metrics, UBA’s brand value has also grown significantly, climbing by 58 per cent to N341 billion. Although it now holds the sixth position in terms of overall brand value among Nigerian companies, the bank’s enhanced brand strength places it ahead of its peers in terms of market perception and customer engagement.

UBA Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, attributed the achievement to a deliberate and strategic focus on customer satisfaction and innovation.

Ladipo stated, “This year’s ranking is no coincidence; it is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investments, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. We remain steadfast in our mission to adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring we consistently deliver exceptional value and keep our customers delighted.”

The 2025 Brand Finance report paints a broader picture of the banking sector’s growing dominance in Nigeria’s brand landscape. Banks accounted for 59 per cent of the total brand value among the top 25 brands, with UBA leading the pack in brand strength. While Access Bank retained its position as the most valuable Nigerian brand, UBA’s ascent as the strongest brand marks a significant moment in the country’s corporate history.