Stanbic IBTC (IBTC.LG: Quote) said on Thursday its pre-tax profit dipped 1 percent to 7.3 billion naira ($50 million) in the first half but gross earnings and loans and advances grew.

Gross earnings rose 4 percent to 28.4 billion naira, while gross loans and advances rose 13 percent to 150 billion naira, the bank said in a statement.