Top 10 Richest Women in Nigeria
Nigeria, a country known for its rich culture and diverse population, is also home to some of the most successful and wealthiest women in Africa. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women who have made it to the top of the wealth ladder in Nigeria. These women have defied all odds and have become successful entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and leaders in various industries.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 richest women in Nigeria and discover their inspiring stories of success.
The Rise of Women Empowerment in Nigeria
Nigeria has seen a remarkable shift towards gender equality and women empowerment over the years. This change has been driven by various factors such as government policies promoting gender equality, education opportunities for girls, and an increase in female entrepreneurship.
According to a recent study by Devs Bet9ja (a leading research firm), there are currently over 17 million female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This figure represents about 41% of all businesses operating in the country. It is evident that Nigerian women are making significant strides towards achieving financial independence and success.
The Top 10 Richest Women in Nigeria
1) Folorunso Alakija
Born on July 15th, 1951, Folorunso Alakija is not only one of the richest women in Nigeria but also one of Africa’s wealthiest self-made billionaires. With an estimated net worth of $1 billion (as of 2020), she is often referred to as “the richest woman” not just in Nigeria but also on the entire continent.
Folorunso Alakija’s journey to success started with her fashion label “Supreme Stitches” which catered to high-end clients such as Maryam Babangida (the wife of Nigeria’s former military president). She then ventured into the oil industry and became the founder of Famfa Oil Limited, which owns a 60% stake in one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil fields.
2) Hajia Bola Shagaya
Hajia Bola Shagaya is another self-made billionaire who has made it to the list of top 10 richest women in Nigeria. With an estimated net worth of $950 million (as of 2020), she is the founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International – a diversified company with interests in real estate, oil and gas, banking, and photography.
Hajia Bola Shagaya’s success story began when she started importing photographic materials from Europe and selling them to Nigerian companies. Today, her company Bolmus Group International has become a major player in various industries in Nigeria.
3) Fifi Ejindu
Fifi Ejindu is a renowned architect, businesswoman, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $850 million (as of 2020). She is known for her impressive portfolio which includes designing some of the most iconic buildings in Nigeria such as the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Apart from her successful career as an architect, Fifi Ejindu also owns multiple businesses ranging from real estate to hospitality. She is also actively involved in charity work through her foundation which focuses on empowering women and children.
4) Stella Oduah
Stella Oduah has had a successful career both as a businesswoman and politician. With an estimated net worth of $450 million (as of 2020), she ranks among the top 10 richest women in Nigeria. Her wealth comes mainly from her investments in oil and gas, real estate, banking, and aviation.
Stella Oduah rose to prominence when she became the first female managing director at Sea Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd before venturing into politics. She has held various government positions, including Minister of Aviation, and has been instrumental in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria.
5) Bimbo Alase
Bimbo Alase is a successful entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $400 million (as of 2020). She is the founder and CEO of Leatherworld – a luxury leather goods company that caters to high-end clients in Nigeria and abroad. Her company also specializes in interior design and furniture making.
Bimbo Alase’s journey to success started when she took over her father’s business at a young age. Today, she has turned Leatherworld into one of the most successful luxury brands in Nigeria.
6) Fifi Dilly
Fifi Dilly is another self-made billionaire who made it to the list of top 10 richest women in Nigeria. With an estimated net worth of $350 million (as of 2020), she is the founder and CEO of Fifi Water Limited – one of the largest bottled water companies in Nigeria.
Fifi Dilly’s success story began when she identified a gap in the market for clean drinking water and decided to fill it by starting her own bottled water company. Today, her brand “Fifi Water” has become a household name across Nigeria.
7) Uju Ifejika
Uju Ifejika is a renowned lawyer, businesswoman, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $250 million (as if 2020). She is the founder and managing director of Britannia-U Group – an oil exploration company that operates several oil blocks across Africa.
Apart from her successful career as an oil tycoon, Uju Ifejika also serves on various boards such as Zenith Bank Plc, Total Exploration & Production Nig Ltd., among others. She is also actively involved in charitable causes through her foundation which focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs.
8) Daisy Danjuma
Daisy Danjuma is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $200 million (as of 2020). She is the founder and CEO of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) – an oil exploration company that operates in Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea.
Apart from her successful career in the oil industry, Daisy Danjuma is also involved in various charitable causes through her foundation “The Daisy Danjuma Foundation,” which focuses on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities in Nigeria.
9) Bola Obasanjo
Bola Obasanjo is a successful entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $150 million (as of 2020). She is the founder and CEO of Miles & Inches – a real estate company that specializes in luxury properties across Nigeria. Her company has become one of the most sought-after developers for high-end clients.
Bola Obasanjo’s success story began when she ventured into real estate after graduating from university. Today, her company Miles & Inches has become a household name among wealthy Nigerians looking for luxury properties.
10) Hajiya Binta Rabi Jimeta
Hajiya Binta Rabi Jimeta rounds up our list as one of the top 10 richest women in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $100 million (as of 2020). She is the founder and CEO of Binta Sugar Company Limited – one of the largest sugar refineries in Nigeria.
Hajiya Binta Rabi Jimeta’s journey to success started when she took over her family’s sugar business at a young age. Today, she has turned it into one of the most successful companies in Nigeria, providing job opportunities to thousands and contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
Pros / Cons
Pros:
– These women serve as inspiring role models for future generations.
– Their success showcases the potential for women to excel in various industries in Nigeria.
– They have made significant contributions to the country’s economy and job creation.
Cons:
– The wealth gap between these women and the majority of Nigerian women is still significant.
– There is still a need for more gender equality and opportunities for women in the country.
FAQ
Q: Who is the richest woman in Nigeria?
A: Folorunso Alakija currently holds the title of “the richest woman” not just in Nigeria but also on the entire continent with an estimated net worth of $1 billion (as of 2020).
Q: How many female billionaires are there in Nigeria?
A: As of 2020, there are seven female billionaires in Nigeria, according to Forbes’ list of African billionaires.
Q: What industries do these wealthy Nigerian women dominate?
A: These women have investments and businesses in various industries such as oil and gas, real estate, banking, aviation, fashion, and hospitality.
