From politics to business, media to academia, these women have risen to prominence through their exceptional leadership, unwavering determination, and commitment to excellence. These are the top 10 most powerful women in Nigeria, whose influence extends far beyond borders and whose contributions are instrumental in driving progress and innovation.
These women, according to Forbes, are challenging the status quo and creating a trail on terrain where there was none. They are reshaping history, closing inequalities and pioneering new avenues of wealth creation and in turn, lifting others with them.
Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Nigeria, 2024
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
A towering figure in global economics and diplomacy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala occupies a prominent position on the world stage. As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), she continues to advocate for inclusive trade policies and economic reforms that benefit not only Nigeria but the entire African continent. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equity and justice make her one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in international affairs.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the most powerful woman in Nigeria.
2. Mo Abudu
A pioneering figure in Africa’s media and entertainment industry, Mo Abudu has revolutionized the landscape with her innovative approach to storytelling and content creation. As the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, Abudu has been instrumental in producing groundbreaking films, television series, and talk shows that celebrate African culture and narratives. Through platforms such as EbonyLife TV, she has provided a voice for marginalized communities and amplified diverse perspectives on the global stage. Abudu’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering African creatives have cemented her status as one of the most influential women in the continent’s media landscape.
3. Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunso Alakija is the richest woman in Nigeria and the second richest woman in Africa behind Isabel dos Santos.
She is the group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group which consists of The Rose of Sharon Prints & Promotions Limited, Digital Reality Prints Limited and the executive vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited.
She also has a majority stake in DaySpring Property Development company. Alakija is ranked by Forbes as the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.
As of 2024, she is listed as the 3rd most powerful woman in Nigeria.
4. Ibukun Awosika
Ibukun Awosika is a Nigerian business woman, author and motivational speaker. She currently serves as Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria.
Ibukun Awosika is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Chair Centre Group.
Ibukun is ranked the 4th most powerful woman in Nigeria.
5. Chimamanda Ngozi adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer whose works range from novels to short stories to nonfiction. She was described in The Times Literary Supplement as “the most prominent” of a “procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature”
As of 2024, she is listed as the 5th most powerful woman in Nigeria.
6. Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili
Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili is a chartered accountant from Anambra state. She was a co-founder of Transparency International, serving as one of the pioneer directors of the global anti-corruption body based in Berlin, Germany.
She served as Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and then as Federal Minister of Education during the second-term presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, she served as the Vice-President of the World Bank’s Africa division from May 2007 to May 2012.
Ezekwesili was also a 2018 nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in transparency in the extractive sector.
Ezekwesili is the sixth most powerful woman in Nigeria.
7. Uchenna ‘Uche’ Pedro
Uche Pedro is an award-winning Nigerian entrepreneur.
She is the founder and CEO of BellaNaija, a media tech brand known for entertainment and lifestyle content. Under her leadership, BellaNaija’s social footprint has grown through its collective brands – BellaNaija.com, BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style – to be the largest on the African continent with more than 200 million impressions each month.
She is the seventh most powerful woman in Nigeria According to Forbes.
8. Olajumoke Adenowo
Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo is an architect by profession. She is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, a public speaker, radio host and author. CNN described her as “Africa’s Starchitect”.
In 2018 she was recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as one of the inspirational women in architecture today.
Ibukun is the eighth most powerful woman in Nigeria.
9. Arunma Oteh
Arunma Oteh OON is an economist who served as the Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank from 2015 to 2018. Prior to this role, she assumed the position of Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria in January 2010. In this capacity, she oversaw the regulation of Nigeria’s capital markets, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Following her tenure at the SEC, she was appointed as the Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank in July 2015. Additionally, in July 2021, she was appointed as the Chair of the Royal African Society, succeeding Zeinab Badawi.
Arunma Oteh is the eighth most powerful woman in Nigeria.
10. Amina J. Mohammed
Amina Jane Mohammed is a Nigerian-British diplomat and politician who is serving as the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Previously, she was Nigerian Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016. And was a key player in the Post-2015 Development Agenda process.
Amina is the 10th most powerful woman in Nigeria by Forbes.
Revised in November 2024
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