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. Catherine Uzoamaka Nwosu is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential Plc. Her appointment was effective March 1, 2024, following the resignation of Mr. Obong Idiong, becoming the company’s first female CEO.
She is responsible for steering Africa Prudential’s strategic direction and growth, building on its strong performance, which saw the company record N5.20 billion in revenue, a total asset of N34.85 billion, and a market capitalization of N40 billion in 2024.
- Mrs. Nwosu is the 2nd Vice President of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR). She brings extensive experience in corporate leadership, stakeholder engagement, and capital market operations.
- Her career journey is closely tied to Africa Prudential Plc, where she played a pivotal role in its evolution. She joined the company at its inception in 2006 and rose through various leadership positions, notably serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2010 to 2022. She later expanded her expertise as Head of Stakeholders Engagement at BUA Group, before returning to Africa Prudential in her current role as CEO.
Mrs. Nwosu is a Fellow of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars, an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and an alumna of the Senior Management Program at Lagos Business School. She also holds degrees in Business Administration, including an MBA.
