The presence of women in top executive positions within Nigeria’s corporate sector has steadily grown, with more female leaders now steering some of the country’s biggest companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).
This list spotlights women leading some of the most asset-rich corporations in Nigeria, spanning banking, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance.
Collectively, these female CEOs are responsible for managing assets valued at over N81 trillion.
Many of these female CEOs bring decades of experience across local and international institutions, combining strategic vision with proven track records in finance, operations, and innovation. Their rise to the helm of these companies signals a shift toward inclusivity and merit-based leadership in corporate governance.
Beyond their professional achievements, these executives also serve as role models for the next generation of women in business. Their positions reflect progress in gender representation at the highest levels of corporate Nigeria, while also highlighting the work that remains to achieve greater equity.
Here is a list of the top 15 female CEOs of companies listed on NGX by their total asset
Mrs. Bolarin Okunowo assumed the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP Plc) on December 1, 2021, succeeding Mr. David Wright following his retirement.
In 2024, Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP Plc) reported a revenue of N36.36 billion, a total asset of N19.68 billion, and a market capitalization of about N30 billion.
- A seasoned business leader and finance professional, Okunowo brings close to two decades of experience spanning investment banking, financial services, manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate, and hospitality.
- Bolarin is a qualified Chartered Accountant. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Birmingham, UK, and a Master’s degree in Information Systems from the prestigious London School of Economics
- Prior to joining CAP Plc as MD/CEO in December 2021, she served as the Managing Director of Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc, a member of the UACN Group, where she also led a turnaround of the business and the implementation of the successful merger with CAP Plc.
- Prior to joining Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc, she had worked in reputable national and multinational brands, including but not limited to UAC of Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC Capital, ARM Investments Managers, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
- While at UAC of Nigeria Plc, she served as the Group’s Investment Executive responsible for managing the Group’s investments in its paints, logistics, and real estate businesses, where she worked closely with management teams to shape strategy and deliver commercial outcomes.
As the Head, Energy & Infrastructure Finance at Stanbic IBTC Capital, she was responsible for the oil and gas, power, and infrastructure debt finance portfolio.
Bolarin Okunowo also served as a Non-Executive Director of CAP Plc until July 2020, sits on the board of Livestock Feeds Plc as a Non-Executive Director, and also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Wema Bank PLC.
