Top 15 Women Powering Nigeria’s Biggest Public Companies in 2025

Meet the women rewriting the narrative in Nigeria’s boardrooms. These 15 CEOs lead the most asset-rich publicly traded companies on the NGX—together managing over ₦81 trillion in public assets. Their rise is more than leadership; it's a chapter in gender equity, excellence, and inspiration.

15. Idu C. Okwuosa-Okeahialam — MD, Royal Exchange Plc (₦9.21 billion)

Appointed MD in May 2025, she blends over a decade of experience in pensions, compliance, and risk. Beyond finance, she co-founded environmental and social initiatives—like No Boy Left Behind—emphasizing purpose beyond profit.

14. Bolarin Okunowo — MD/CEO, Chemical and Allied Products Plc (₦19.68 billion)

13. Mayowa Olaniyan — CEO, Chams Holding (₦20.39 billion)

12. Risikatu Ladi Ahmed — CEO, ASO Savings & Loans (₦23.40 billion)

11. Ngozi Chukwu — Acting MD/CEO, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank (₦25.15 billion)

10. Catherine Nwosu — CEO, Africa Prudential Plc (₦34.85 billion)

9. Adaobi Nwakuche — CEO, Veritas Kapital Assurance (₦37.54 billion)

8. Adenike Aboderin — MD, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (₦41.78 billion)

7. Dukor Ndidi — Co-CEO, MeCure Healthcare (₦54.84 billion)

6. Oyeyimika Adeboye — MD, Cadbury Nigeria Plc (₦72.44 billion)

5. Uzoamaka Oshogwe — MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc (₦140.70 billion)

4. Owen Omogiafo — President/Group CEO, Transnational Corporation (₦751.56 billion)

3. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe — MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank (₦8.82 trillion)

Under her leadership, Fidelity soared, achieving technology-driven growth and international expansion.

2. Adaora Umeoji — Group MD, Zenith Bank (₦29.96 trillion)

In June 2024, she became Zenith Bank’s first-ever female GMD, capping off nearly three decades of proven leadership excellence.

1. Bolaji Agbede — Acting Group CEO, Access Holdings (₦41.5 trillion)

Leading the pack, her leadership of Nigeria’s powerhouse Access Holdings places her atop this list.

Why It Matters

Setting Trends: Having women at the top of Nigeria’s largest companies is transforming corporate culture and reshaping norms.

Role Models: These leaders inspire the next generation of ambitious women across industries.

Equity in Action: While women still hold roughly 10% of CEO roles in Nigerian-listed companies , these appointments show momentum toward change.

Your Takeaway

Scarcity makes each female CEO spotlighted here more remarkable. Their rise symbolizes the shift to governance built on merit, vision, and inclusivity—not just tradition. And for the next generation watching? It’s clear: leadership in Nigeria’s major corporations is no longer a dream—it’s a reality.