Nigeria's economic landscape is being powerfully reshaped by a formidable group of female leaders whose wealth and influence span critical industries. From the oil fields to the boardrooms of media and pharmaceuticals, these women have not only accumulated significant fortunes but have also become symbols of entrepreneurial success and resilience. Their journeys, marked by strategic vision and relentless execution, offer a compelling narrative of modern Nigerian prosperity.
Nigeria's Wealthiest Women: A Ranking of Power and Influence
The following ranking, based on reported net worth estimates from sources including Forbes Africa and The Guardian, showcases the top female wealth creators in the country as of 2026. It is important to note that these figures are dynamic and subject to change with market fluctuations and new business developments.
10. Diezani Alison-Madueke — $500 million
Born on December 6, 1960, in Port Harcourt, Diezani Alison-Madueke is a former politician and businesswoman. She made history as Nigeria's first female Minister of Petroleum Resources and the first woman to be elected President of OPEC. Despite facing corruption allegations, her accumulated assets keep her among the nation's richest women.
9. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — $550 million
A globally respected economist born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Uku, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala broke barriers by becoming the first woman and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021. She previously served two terms as Nigeria's Finance Minister and briefly as Foreign Affairs Minister.
8. Stella Oduah — $600 million
Stella Oduah Ogiemwonyi, born January 5, 1962, in Onitsha, is a politician and businesswoman. After studying in the US, she worked at the NNPC before founding Sea Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. She served as the Minister of Aviation from 2011 to 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan.
7. Mo Abudu — $650 million
Media mogul Mosunmola "Mo" Abudu, born September 11, 1964, in London, revolutionized African television. She started with the talk show "Moments with Mo" and later founded EbonyLife TV in 2013, which now broadcasts in over 49 African countries and has partnerships with giants like Netflix and Sony.
6. Bimbo Alase — $650 million–$750 million
This savvy entrepreneur, born in the 1970s, transitioned from running a small beauty shop to founding Leatherworld in 1994. Her furniture and interior design company grew from a modest Ikoyi outlet to showrooms in Abuja and Lekki, and a manufacturing plant in the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
From Pharmaceuticals to Real Estate: Diverse Portfolios
5. Stella Chinyelu Okoli — $850 million
The founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Stella Okoli (born 1944 in Kano) is a pharmacist and philanthropist. She started Emzo Chemists in 1977, which later incorporated as Emzor in 1984. Following her son's death, she established the Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006.
4. Fifi Ekanem Ejindu — $850 million
Architect and businesswoman Offiong Ekanem Ejindu, born in Ibadan in 1962, leads the Starcrest Group of Companies. Founded in 1995, her conglomerate has interests in real estate, oil and gas, and construction. She also launched the African Arts and Fashion Initiative to promote creative talent.
3. Daisy Danjuma — $900 million
Daisy Ehanire Danjuma, born August 6, 1952, in Benin City, is a former senator for Edo South (2003-2007) and a successful businesswoman. She has held leadership roles at South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO) and May & Baker Nigeria Plc, and is active with the TY Danjuma Foundation.
2. Bola "Hajia" Shagaya — $950 million
Hajia Bola Shagaya, born October 10, 1959, in Ilorin, built a vast empire from importing photographic materials. She introduced the Konica brand to West Africa. As CEO of Bolmus Group International, her diversified portfolio spans oil and gas (Practoil, Voyage Oil), real estate, and banking.
The Apex: Nigeria's First Female Billionaire
1. Folorunsho Alakija — $1 billion
Topping the list is Folorunsho Alakija, born July 15, 1951, in Ikorodu, Lagos. With a net worth of one billion dollars, she is Nigeria's richest woman. Her fortune stems from her role as Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited. She also built successful businesses in fashion (Rose of Sharon House of Fashion) and printing.
Alakija's career began in secretarial and banking roles before she ventured into fashion design and later, the lucrative oil and gas sector. She is also a noted philanthropist through her Rose of Sharon Foundation.
These ten women exemplify how ambition, innovation, and strategic diversification can build extraordinary wealth in Nigeria's dynamic economy. They have moved beyond traditional roles to become industry leaders, investors, and philanthropists, inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs across the continent. Their stories underscore the significant and growing impact of women in shaping Nigeria's commercial and industrial future.
