The Nigerian banking sector remains one of the most competitive and lucrative industries in the country. For decades, banks have been among the highest employers of skilled professionals, offering attractive salaries, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

In 2025, the demand for experienced banking professionals remains strong, especially in top-tier positions such as treasury, investment, risk management, and executive management. But which roles pay the most? And what are the salaries like across the major banks in Nigeria?

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the highest-paid bank jobs in Nigeria by salary, comparing roles, responsibilities, and earnings across top banks like Zenith, GTBank, Access, UBA, and others.

Whether you’re a job seeker, a professional planning your next career move, or simply curious about banking salaries in Nigeria, this article gives you everything you need to know.

 

Why Bank Jobs Are Attractive

Banking is seen as a prestigious career in Nigeria because of:

  • Competitive salaries

  • Regular promotions and career growth

  • Attractive bonuses and allowances

  • Exposure to financial markets and business strategy

  • Job stability compared to other sectors

Even at the entry level, banking offers relatively better pay than many other industries, with salaries increasing significantly as one rises through the ranks.

Factors That Influence Bank Salaries in Nigeria

Several factors determine how much a banker earns:

  • Position/Job Title: Senior executives earn much more than entry-level staff.

  • Experience & Qualifications: Professional certifications like ICAN, ACCA, CFA, and MBA can boost earnings.

  • Type of Bank: International and Tier-1 banks pay higher than smaller or regional banks.

  • Performance Bonuses: Many banks reward employees based on individual and organizational performance.

  • Location: Jobs in Lagos and Abuja typically offer higher pay due to cost of living and business opportunities.

Overview of Bank Salaries in Nigeria 2025

Bank salaries in Nigeria vary widely:

  • Entry-level staff: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000/month

  • Mid-level managers: ₦400,000 – ₦1,500,000/month

  • Senior managers and executives: ₦2,000,000 – ₦10,000,000+/month

Let’s now explore the highest-paid jobs in the Nigerian banking sector in 2025.

Top 10 Highest Paid Bank Jobs and Salaries

Below are the most lucrative positions in Nigerian banks and what they typically pay.

1. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO)

Average Monthly Salary: ₦7,000,000 – ₦15,000,000

The MD/CEO is the highest-ranking officer in a bank, responsible for strategy, profitability, and overall leadership.

Responsibilities:

  • Setting corporate goals and vision

  • Overseeing all departments

  • Representing the bank to stakeholders and regulators

2. Executive Director

Average Monthly Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦10,000,000

Executive directors head major divisions such as operations, risk, or corporate banking and report directly to the CEO.

3. General Manager

Average Monthly Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦6,000,000

General managers oversee large regions or critical departments, managing staff and driving profitability.

4. Head of Treasury

Average Monthly Salary: ₦2,500,000 – ₦5,000,000

Treasury heads manage the bank’s liquidity, investments, and foreign exchange operations — a critical role given Nigeria’s economic environment.

5. Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Average Monthly Salary: ₦2,500,000 – ₦4,500,000

The CRO ensures that the bank manages risks effectively, complying with regulatory requirements and protecting assets.

6. Head of Investment Banking

Average Monthly Salary: ₦2,000,000 – ₦4,500,000

This role involves advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising, while generating significant revenue for the bank.

7. Senior Relationship Manager

Average Monthly Salary: ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,500,000

Relationship managers manage portfolios of corporate clients, bringing in deposits and providing financial solutions.

8. Head of Operations

Average Monthly Salary: ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,000,000

Operations heads ensure seamless banking processes, compliance, and customer satisfaction across branches.

9. Senior Internal Auditor

Average Monthly Salary: ₦1,000,000 – ₦2,000,000

Internal auditors help detect and prevent fraud, ensuring the integrity of the bank’s operations.

10. Branch Manager

Average Monthly Salary: ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000

Branch managers oversee a branch’s day-to-day activities, leading staff and driving customer acquisition.

Salary Comparison Across Major Banks

Let’s briefly compare salaries at some of the biggest Nigerian banks:

Bank Entry-level Monthly Mid-level Monthly Senior-level Monthly
Zenith Bank ₦180k – ₦220k ₦800k – ₦1.5m ₦4m – ₦12m
GTBank ₦150k – ₦200k ₦700k – ₦1.3m ₦3m – ₦10m
Access Bank ₦140k – ₦210k ₦750k – ₦1.4m ₦3m – ₦11m
UBA ₦120k – ₦200k ₦600k – ₦1.2m ₦2.5m – ₦9m
First Bank ₦130k – ₦210k ₦700k – ₦1.3m ₦3m – ₦11m
Stanbic IBTC ₦150k – ₦220k ₦800k – ₦1.5m ₦4m – ₦12m

Note: Salaries vary based on department, location, and experience.

How to Earn More in the Banking Industry

Here are ways to maximize your earnings:

  • Obtain professional certifications like ICAN, CFA, or MBA.

  • Build expertise in high-demand areas like risk, treasury, or investment banking.

  • Deliver strong performance to qualify for bonuses and promotions.

  • Move to international or Tier-1 banks with higher pay structures.

Career Growth Opportunities in Banking

Banking careers offer clear advancement paths:

  • Entry-level → Officer → Assistant Manager → Manager → Senior Manager → Executive roles

  • Moving into specialized or revenue-generating roles can accelerate promotion and pay raises.

Summary Table: Highest Paid Banking Jobs and Salaries in Nigeria 2025

Position Average Monthly Salary (₦)
MD/CEO 7,000,000 – 15,000,000
Executive Director 5,000,000 – 10,000,000
General Manager 3,000,000 – 6,000,000
Head of Treasury 2,500,000 – 5,000,000
Chief Risk Officer 2,500,000 – 4,500,000
Head of Investment Banking 2,000,000 – 4,500,000
Senior Relationship Manager 1,200,000 – 2,500,000
Head of Operations 1,500,000 – 3,000,000
Senior Internal Auditor 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Branch Manager 700,000 – 1,500,000

FAQs About Bank Salaries in Nigeria

1. Which bank pays the highest salary in Nigeria?

Zenith, Stanbic IBTC, and Access Bank often lead in senior-level salaries, though exact figures depend on the role.

2. What is the highest-paid job in a Nigerian bank?

The MD/CEO role is the highest paid, earning upwards of ₦7–15 million per month.

3. How much do entry-level bankers earn in Nigeria?

Most entry-level staff earn between ₦120,000 and ₦250,000/month.

4. Do Nigerian banks pay bonuses?

Yes, many banks offer performance bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives.

5. Is banking a good career in Nigeria?

Yes, banking offers good pay, career progression, and opportunities for skill development.

6. What qualifications are needed for high-paying bank jobs?

Degrees in finance, economics, business, and certifications like CFA, ICAN, ACCA, or MBA can boost earning potential.

7. Which department pays best in banking?

Departments like treasury, investment banking, and risk management tend to offer the highest salaries.

8. Do branch managers earn more than relationship managers?

Not necessarily — senior relationship managers in corporate banking often earn more due to revenue generation.

9. Are bank jobs more lucrative than oil & gas?

Top positions in oil & gas typically pay more, but banking is still highly competitive.

10. Can one move from a junior to an executive role?

Yes, with strong performance, networking, and continued education, career progression is possible.

Conclusion

Banking remains one of the most rewarding professions in Nigeria, offering both financial stability and career growth. The highest paid jobs are usually at the executive and specialized departmental levels, where skills, experience, and leadership come together.

If you’re planning a career in banking or looking to move up the ladder, focus on acquiring specialized skills, professional certifications, and delivering outstanding performance.

By understanding which roles pay the most and how to position yourself strategically, you can build a prosperous career in the Nigerian banking industry.