Meet The 20 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Nigeria in 2025.
In this write-up, Naijabest Magazine reveals the 20 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Nigeria in 2025. Since creation, women, regardless of creed or color, have been as powerful as men, more so in some cases. Indeed, Nigeria is home to some of the most brilliant women in the world. Undoubtedly, these incredible women have broken through barriers in every area of Nigerian life, holding a wide-ranging and powerful influence from business and finance to politics, on a local and international level.
The new methods and tactical choices that they have taken have led to the creation of jobs and promoted economic growth. They seem to have a special sauce for the finance industry – managing vast portfolios and shaping the world of finance. Their investments have helped support Nigeria’s financial stability and pulled in international capital. Apart from their professional accomplishments, these women have left an indelible mark on society, leading social movements and empowering a community. Their commitment to transforming the lives of people has made them some of the most respected and admired icons of influence and power in Nigeria.
In this article, we shall be counting down 20 of the most powerful women in Nigeria.
1) NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA (Director General, World Trade Organization)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a prominent Nigerian economist and international development expert. She has served as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since March 2021, making history as the first woman and African leader. Okonjo-Iweala has a distinguished career, having held various significant positions, including two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003-2006, 2011-2015) and a brief stint as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2006. She spent 25 years at the World Bank, rising to the position of Managing Director for Operations.
Her contributions to global development have been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades, such as being named Forbes’ African of the Year in 2020 and being ranked among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Forbes for four consecutive years. Okonjo-Iweala holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Beyond her professional achievements, she has also been involved in various boards and organizations, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the African Risk Capacity. Her leadership and expertise continue to inspire many in the fields of economics and international development.
2) SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU (The First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria)
Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a notable Nigerian politician and the current First Lady of Nigeria since 2023. She was born on September 21, 1960, and hails from Ogun State. Remi Tinubu, as she is mostly called, served as the First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 when her husband, Bola Tinubu, was governor. She later represented the Lagos Central Senatorial District as a Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator from 2011 to 2023. During her tenure as a senator.
Tinubu’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education. She is also an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Beyond her political and religious roles, Tinubu established the New Era Foundation, which focuses on developing young people and promoting public awareness on environmental health and community service. Her contributions to Nigerian society have earned her admiration and respect, making her a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape
3) AMINA JANE MOHAMMED (Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations)
Amina Jane Mohammed is an accomplished Nigerian diplomat and politician, currently working as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Born June 27, 1961, in Liverpool, England, Mohammed has had an impressive career in international development and diplomacy. She has had a number of important appointments, including serving as Minister of Environment in Nigeria from 2015 to 2016. Mohammed has been a major player in the world’s efforts to set policies on sustainable development and gender equality. She has been widely cited for her work on the Post-2015 Development Agenda and for serving as Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
During her career, Mohammed has campaigned for policies aimed at reducing poverty, as well as for strategies to cope with the issues that affect women and girls including, climate change and the climate crisis. Her vision and wisdom remains a source of inspiration to thousands of people involved in international development and diplomacy.
4) FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA (CEO FAMFA OIL, FORBES’ #2 Richest Woman in Africa in 2025)
Folorunsho Alakija, born July 15, 1951, is a renowned Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist. Among the 20 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Nigeria in 2025, She is celebrated as one of Africa’s wealthiest women, with a diverse business empire spanning oil, fashion, real estate, and printing. Alakija is the Group Managing Director of The Rose of Sharon Group and the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited. Her journey began in the fashion industry, where she founded the fashion label Supreme Stitches, later renamed The Rose of Sharon House of Fashion. Alakija’s success in the oil industry came after she secured an oil prospecting license for a 617,000-acre block in the Agbami Field. Beyond her business ventures, she is deeply committed to philanthropy, establishing the Rose of Sharon Foundation to support widows and orphans through scholarships and business grants. Alakija’s remarkable achievements and dedication to social causes have made her an influential figure in Nigeria.
5) ARUNMA OTEH (Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank 2015-2018)
Arunma Oteh is a Nigerian economist and businesswoman. She was born 12 February 1965 in Amaeke, Abia State. Oteh has an impressive career in the financial services industry, spanning a number of high-profile roles. She was appointed the first female (DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria in January 2010 in that capacity, she had the exceptional responsibility for sensitization in the Nigerian Capital Market, a duty that no woman had ever been privileged. In that role, she was responsible for the regulation of Nigeria’s capital markets and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Her leadership of the SEC made her well-known and respected in the world financial community.
In July 2015, Oteh was elected Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank, serving in that position until 2018. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded the creation and execution of novel economic mechanisms to combat some of the world’s gravest economic problems. Oteh has a first class degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her outstanding knowledge and character have helped her to become a valued member of the financial community, encouraging numerous budding economists and businessmen. She was appointed chair of the Royal African Society in July 2021, succeeding Zeinab Badawi. Oteh’s legacies in the financial services industry in Nigeria and beyond remain enduring.
6) CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE (Global Renowned Author)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most popular international Authors of Nigerian origin; Chimamanda Adichie was born on 15th September, 1977 in Enugu town, Nigeria. She is a leading figure in postcolonial feminist literature. Adichie, whose celebrated novels include “Purple Hibiscus” (2003), “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2006), and “Americanah” (2013), has been the focus of two earlier books in the series. Many of her works have focused thematically on identity, feminism, and the social environment of Nigeria 1. Adichie’s most viewed TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” highlights the importance of multiple narratives. She has received multiple awards and honours, such as a MacArthur Fellowship in 2008 and election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017. Her narrative style is multilayered with a combination of western and African writing, but with more reflection of the Igbo culture. Her writing and advocacy work through the decades have turned her into a symbol of the international feminist movement.
7) OBIAGELI (OBY) EZEKWEZILI
Obiageli Ezekwesili, known as Oby, was born on April 28th, 1963. She is a distinguished Nigerian economist and policy recommender, proponent of transparency, accountability, good governance, and human capital development. Ezekwesili has held several key positions, such as the Nigerian Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and the Nigerian Federal Minister of Education. In addition, she was the World Bank’s Vice President for the Africa Region from May 2007 to May 20121. Ezekwesili co-founded Transparency International and the #BringBackOurGirls movement, indicating her devotion to humanitarian issues. She is also the creator of the #FixPolitics Movement, the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), and Human Capital Africa. Her commitment to the cause of women’s leadership, nation-building, and good governance is noted all over, and she is universally respected. Ezekwesili has inspired so many that her legacy can never be overemphasized.
8) HAJIYA BOLA SHAGAYA (CEO, BOLMUS GROUP INTERNATIONAL, the 4th Richest Woman in Africa)
Hajiya Bola Shagaya was born on the 10th of October 1959 in Ilorin, Kwara State; she is a Nigerian businesswoman and a fashion freak. She started at the Central Bank of Nigeria, but became a businesswoman in 1983. Shagaya brought Konica photographic materials to Nigeria and West Africa. She owns and runs Bolmus Group International, a collection of companies that span from real estate, oil and gas, banking from photography. She is also the Managing Director of Practoil Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading importers and distributors of base oil. Shagaya also serves as director of the board of Unity Bank plc and the NEPAD Business Group – Nigeria. She has been known for her involvement in different fields which has often led her to be called one of the richest women in Africa.
9) DAISY DANJUMA (The 3rd Richest Woman in Nigeria)
Daisy Ehanire Danjuma was born on August 6, 1952, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and is a distinguished Nigerian politician, lawyer, and businesswoman. She served as the senator representing the Edo South Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly from 2003 to 2007. During her tenure, she was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development and a member of several other committees Danjuma’s career began in law, where she worked as a State Counsel with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and later as a legal counsel for the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. She also held the position of Company Secretary and Legal Adviser at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) from 1982 to 1992. Beyond her political and legal career, Danjuma is married to retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, a former Nigerian Minister of Defense and a prominent businessman. Her contributions to Nigerian politics and her professional achievements have made her a respected figure in the country.
10) STELLA CHIYENLU OKOLI (FOUNDER and CEO, EMZOR PHAMARCEUTICAL)
Chiyenlo Okoli was born on 30 July 1944 in Kano State,, Nigeria; she is a leading Nigerian pharmacist, industrialist, and philanthropist. She is best known as the owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, one of the top firms in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. Okoli’s career in the pharmaceutical sector started after receiving a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Bradford in 1969 and a Master’s degree in Industrial Pharmacy from Chelsea College, University of London, in 1971. Her entrepreneurial drive and love for the development of healthcare has prompted Emzor Pharmaceutical to produce over 50 Emzor products since she incorporated the business in 1984. In addition to her career, Okoli is active in philanthropic endeavors, having created the Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006 to promote awareness of cardiovascular diseases and encourage entrepreneurship studies. She has been recognised in the health space with several awards, including The African Leadership Award and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
11) IBUKUN AWOSIKA (Business Woman, Author, and Motivational Speaker)
Ibukun Awosika is respected as a prominent Nigerian businesswoman, author, and motivational speaker. Her pioneering contribution as the female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria is quite distinguishable. Awosika attended St. Paul African Church Primary School, Lagos, and Methodist Girls Secondary School, Yaba, before studying Chemistry at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Her career began during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kano State, where she worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co (now Deloitte). Seeking financial independence, she established her furniture manufacturing company, Que Bees Limited, in 1989, now known as The Chair Centre Limited. Awosika’s contributions to business and leadership have resulted in many awards and accolades to her credit, which have helped her attain a star status in Nigeria’s corporate world.
12) DR. MRS OLWATOYIN MADEIN (Accountant General of the Federation)
13) OLAJUMOKE ADENOWO (Most Prominent Female Architect in Africa)
Olajumoke Adenowo (October 16, 1968, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian architect. She is widely recognized for her original designs and contributions to the architectural field. Adenowo’s sojourn in architecture started at the age of 14 when she became a pioneer admittee into Obafemi Awolowo University, from where she graduated at 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture First Class Honours. She went on to postgraduate studies and in 1991 received a Master’s in Architecture with distinction. In 1994, she started her own architectural and interior design practice – AD Consulting- and has worked on developing and constructing more than 114 projects. Adenowo’s design philosophy Neo Heritage Architecture, takes from her experientially developed heritage design ethos, and establishes the contemporary trajectory of globally significant African architecture. Aside All these; Stella, is also a writer, a radio Host and Philanthropist who touch lives and make positive impact through her NGO, Awesome Treasures Foundation of which she is the founder. For her exceptional contributions, Adenowo is often referred to as “Africa’s Starchitect” by CNN.
AD Consulting has embarked on numerous projects across Nigeria and beyond and is headed by Olajumoke Adenowo. These are institutional buildings, office parks, mixed-use projects, auditoria, healthcare buildings, schools, industrial campuses, and single-family homes. The companies also have some impressive clients for their projects, including multinationals like Coca-Cola and L’Oreal, financial powerhouses, Access Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank, among others.
14) ADEBOLANLE MATEL-OKOH
(The Richest Female Shareholder on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with shares valued at N75.2 Billion)
Adebowale Matel-Okoh has the most significant share in Wema Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian investor. As of March 28, 2025, the worth of her shares was put at ₦75.2 billion. This estimate is calculated based on her overall holdings of 7,029,759,270 shares, direct and indirect. Wema Bank’s share price then stood at ₦ 10.70 per share.
Adebolanle Matel-Okoh represents a strong-minded Nigerian woman of substance. She is the CEO of Havilah Ventures Ltd, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors. Matel-Okoh has been a Non-Executive Director at Wema Bank PLC since 2015. She has an extensive legal background and maintains membership in the Nigerian Bar Association & New York State Bar Association. Matel-Okoh started as a Legal Officer at the United Commercial Bank of San Francisco, California and received basic banking industry exposure. Through the years, she has diversified her business interests with real estate and finance.
15) MO-ABUDU (Founder/CEO EBONYLIFE TV)
Mosunmola Abudu, commonly known as Mo Abudu, is a Nigerian media mogul, media personality, philanthropist, and former human resources management consultant. She was born on September 11, 1964, in Hammersmith, London, to Nigerian parents of Ondo descent. She started her life in HR after studying Human Resource Management at the University of Westminster before joining the media world.
Mo Abudu is the creator of Ebony Life TV, which became Nigeria and Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Network when it was founded in 2013. She has also worked on several hits like The Wedding Party and Chief Daddy, and is on the list for the highest-grossing movies in Nigeria. She has a worth of N20, 000, 000, 000.
Hailed as “Africa’s Oprah,” Mo has been the recipient of numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctor of Arts from the University of Westminster and a place on 2014’s Forbes list of the 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa.
On 16 April 2025, Mo Abudu, was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025.
16) LINDA IKEJI (Blogger, Entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of N50 Billion)
Linda Ifeoma Ikeji was born on September 19, 1980, in Nkwerre, Imo state, Nigeria; she is a blogger, entrepreneur, and one time model. She attended University of Lagos where she studied English and put herself through school with part time jobs. Ikeji started blogging as a hobby in 2006 and became active full time in 2007 on Blogspot, and within two years, her blog had become one of the most popular blogs in Nigeria; on the blog, she would cover a wide range of gossip such as celebrity news and events.
Her blog about entertainment, lifestyle, and news receives millions of readers every day. Ikeji extended her brand by opening two other subdivisions of the company, Linda Ikeji TV and Linda Ikeji Music. She also introduced a philanthropic venture, I’d Rather Be Self-Made, for young women.
Linda Ikeji Net Worth Linda Ikeji is worth $40 Million, which is how much she has in the media and entrepreneurial bank. She has been honoured with numerous awards, including a Doctor of Humanities from Trinity International University, acknowledging her work in business and media.
17) NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE (Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc)
One of the most respected bankers in Nigeria, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, is known for her exemplary leadership style, which has brought a lot of innovations to the financial industry. She was born on July 28, 1964, and graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a Master’s in Law from King’s College, London. Her relationship with banks in Nigeria dates back to over 30 years, and she has acted in several strategic capacities in Zenith Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Enterprise Bank.
She became the first female Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc in 2021. Under her leadership, the bank recorded some significant milestones, including quadrupling investment growth in Profit Before Tax from ₦25.22 billion in 2021 to ₦122 billion in 2023. Her work includes introducing products like PayGate Plus and Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect.
She was specially recognized with the awards such as an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
18) UCHE PEDRO (Founder, CEO BELLA NAIJA)
Uche PUche Pedro is the CEO and Founder of Bella Naija, the number one online destination for Nigerian women and a top blogger in Nigeria. She has used digital media to her advantage, growing Bella Naija, an online entertainment, lifestyle and fashion source into a brand to be reckoned with. Petro’s commercial ventures have gone a long way to boosting Nigeria’s digital scene. Her business influence is not restricted to her company walls, in fact she is involved in social service projects to help women, as well as community betterment. Pedro’s commitment to quality and forward thinking, have seen her become a celebrated and influential personality in Nigeria.
Pedro has a net worth of around $40 million.
19) MIRIAM ADESANYA (Managing Director, GTBANK PLC)
Miriam Adesanya is a big fish in Nigeria’s financial industry and is the managing director at GTBank. Throughout her career, Miriam has achieved various accolades in banking and finance that have helped develop and stabilize the industry. Adesanya’s strategic choices and creative ideas have contributed to GTBank remaining one of Nigeria’s top banks. She advocates for financial literacy and economic empowerment in the corporate realm and beyond. Adesanya’s commitment to excellence and impactful contributions has solidified her place as one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential financial leaders.
20) BOLA ADESOLA (CHAIRMAN, ECOBANK PLC)
Bola Adesola is the Chairman of ECOBANK PLC. She has a stellar financial career and has held highly impressive positions that have helped shape the banking system in Nigeria. Adesola’s transformational leadership and lnnovative customer-oriented approach has led ECOBANK to remain the bank of choice to its customers and a leading financial institution in Nigeria. Outside the corporate world, she actively participates in programs to advance financial inclusion and economic empowerment. With Adesola’s commitment to excellence and contributions, she has become a recognized leader in Nigeria’s banking industry.
