When people talk about billionaires in Nigeria, the spotlight often falls on men like Dangote or Adenuga. But behind the scenes (and increasingly, in front of them), women are running serious empires too, from oil and real estate to fashion and banking.
Here’s a quick dive into the women rewriting the wealth story in Nigeria.
1. Folorunsho Alakija
Net Worth: Around $1 billion
Industry: Oil, Fashion, Printing and Real Estate
Folorunsho Alakija is basically the queen of Nigerian business. She started in fashion (her label, Supreme Stitches, was once the go-to for Lagos high society) and later struck gold and literally when she got into the oil business through Famfa Oil. She’s also a philanthropist with strong faith roots and a deep passion for women’s empowerment.
2. Hajia Bola Shagaya
Net Worth: Roughly 900 million
Industry: Oil, Real Estate, Banking
Bola Shagaya started out working at the Central Bank of Nigeria before diving into the oil business. Today, she’s one of the country’s biggest oil magnates and owns properties across Nigeria’s major cities. She also sits on the board of Unity Bank.
3. Daisy Danjuma
Net Worth: About $600 million**
Industry: Oil, Politics, Law
A lawyer, politician and businesswoman, Daisy Danjuma made her fortune through investments in oil and other ventures tied to her husband’s business empire. She’s known for her calm confidence and strong influence in both business and politics.
4. Fifi Ejindu
Net Worth: Around $450 million
Industry: Architecture, Real Estate and Luxury Design
Princess Fifi Ejindu is one of Nigeria’s leading architects and the founder of Starcrest Group, which deals in building design, oil and gas and real estate. She’s famous for blending old-money elegance with modern business flair basically the definition of “old wealth meets new style.”
5. Stella Okoli
Net Worth: About $400 million
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
If you’ve ever used Emzor Paracetamol, you’ve indirectly supported Stella Okoli’s empire. She built Emzor Pharmaceuticals from scratch, starting as a small chemist in Lagos. Today, it’s one of the biggest drug manufacturing companies in West Africa.
6. Mo Abudu
Net Worth: Roughly $250 million
Industry: Media and Entertainment
Mo Abudu is often called “Africa’s Oprah,” and for good reason. She founded EbonyLife TV, one of the continent’s most successful entertainment companies. Her shows and films like The Wedding Party, have changed how the world sees Nollywood.
7. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Net Worth: Estimated $150 million
Industry: Economics, Global Development
Ngozi isn’t a business mogul in the traditional sense, but as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, she’s one of the most powerful women on the planet. Her income and influence come from decades of global financial leadership.
8. Stella Oduah
Net Worth: About $150 million
Industry: Oil, Aviation, Politics
She made her money through Sea Petroleum & Gas Company before moving into politics. Stella also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, showing that business and governance can actually mix with the right moves.
9. Linda Ikeji
Net Worth: Around $100 million
Industry: Media, Blogging, Real Estate
From blogging in her room to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognizable media figures, Linda Ikeji built a digital empire. Her blog was the go-to gossip spot for years, and she’s since expanded into real estate and content production.
10. Genevieve Nnaji
Net Worth: Estimated $12 million–$15 million
Industry: Entertainment, Fashion, Real Estate
Genevieve isn’t just Nollywood royalty, she’s a smart investor too. With her acting career, film production (Lionheart on Netflix) and brand endorsements, she’s built solid wealth and global recognition.
Final Thoughts
These women are proof that Nigeria’s wealth story isn’t a boys-only club. From oil and pharmaceuticals to entertainment and architecture, they’ve built legacies that blend ambition, resilience and a bit of flair.
And the best part? They’re inspiring the next generation of Nigerian women to believe that wealth is genderless, it’s about vision, grit and smart work.
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