Nigeria’s non-interest lender, Jaiz Bank Plc, has appointed Omolara Muinat Ismail as Executive Director as part of efforts to reinforce its leadership team and accelerate growth in the retail and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) banking segments.
The appointment, which took effect on February 28, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the bank’s Company Secretary, Mohammed Shehu. According to the bank, the move forms part of its broader strategy to deepen market penetration and expand its non-interest banking footprint across Nigeria.
Regulatory approval secured
The bank said the appointment has received the required regulatory clearance from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“In accordance with the rulebook of Nigeria Exchange Limited, Jaiz Bank Plc hereby notifies NGX and the general public of the appointment of Omolara Muinat Ismail as Executive Director, effective February 28, 2026,” the statement read.
Jaiz Bank noted that the new appointment strengthens its leadership structure as the institution pursues plans to expand non-interest banking services and consolidate its position in Nigeria’s financial services sector.
Extensive banking experience
Ismail brings more than 25 years of experience spanning retail, commercial, and corporate banking. Her career includes senior management and board-level roles at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, where she served as a Non-Executive Director and chaired the Board Credit Committee of the bank’s subsidiary in The Gambia.
She is a Chartered Banker and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the National Institute of Credit Administration.
Ismail holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ilorin and Bangor University in the United Kingdom, and has also completed several executive development programmes at international institutions.
Role in expansion strategy
Before her elevation to the board, Ismail served as General Manager for Business Development and Head of the Lagos and South Directorate at Jaiz Bank.
The bank expects her experience to support its growth strategy, particularly in expanding retail and SME banking operations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and accelerating digital banking adoption.
Strong financial performance
The leadership reshuffle comes amid improved financial results for the bank. Jaiz Bank reported stronger earnings in 2025, driven by growth in income from financing and investment activities.
The bank’s pretax profit rose to N31.3 billion in 2025, compared with N24.4 billion recorded in 2024. Fourth-quarter results also showed continued momentum, with pretax profit climbing to N8.1 billion, representing an 8.27% increase from N7.4 billion in the same period of the previous year.
Net income from financing and investing activities reached N97.4 billion for the full year, up from N76.5 billion in 2024.
The improved performance highlights the bank’s continued growth trajectory as it expands its non-interest banking offerings across Nigeria.