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
Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, where she oversees the day-to-day management of the company and drives its strategic vision for profitability, growth, and long-term value creation for shareholders.
Under her leadership, Veritas Kapital recorded N23.31 billion in revenue, a total asset base of N37.54 billion, and a market capitalization of N20 billion in 2024.
- With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Dr. Nwakuche is widely recognized for her expertise in strategic partnerships, deal structuring, contract negotiations, channel development, marketing, and organizational leadership. Her career reflects a blend of technical depth and executive management across several top national organizations.
- Before joining Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, she was the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Heirs Insurance Limited, where she set the strategic direction of the company. She also served as Executive Director at Heirs Holdings Group and as Director (Commercial Division) at Equity Assurances. Her career journey includes senior leadership roles at STACO Insurance Plc and Standard Alliance Insurance Company Limited, where she built a track record of delivering growth and operational excellence.
Dr. Nwakuche holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Public Administration from Abia State University and an MBA in Business Administration from ESUT Business School. She earned a Doctorate in Insurance, Risk Management, and Corporate Governance from the European American University.
She is a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK (CII), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators.
She is an alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School and the Lagos Business School, and has participated in several executive-level training programs both locally and internationally
