In Nigeria’s corporate landscape, women at the helm of finance functions are playing pivotal roles in steering balance sheets, driving growth, and consolidating performance.
These Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) oversee trillions in assets, navigating complex regulatory frameworks while shaping strategy across industries from banking and insurance to oil, gas, and consumer goods.
The influence of these finance leaders extends beyond numbers. They embody resilience, international exposure, and technical depth, combining strong academic pedigrees with hands-on experience in treasury, taxation, and corporate finance. Their leadership has been instrumental in growing profitability, shoring up investor confidence, and positioning their companies for long-term sustainability.
In 2024, the ranking of Nigeria’s top female CFOs by assets managed offers an insightful snapshot of where financial leadership meets corporate performance. From mega-banking groups to consumer goods giants, these women are charting paths that redefine financial management in Africa’s largest economy.
Below is a breakdown of the top female CFOs in Nigeria’s listed companies by total assets under management in 2024.
Top female CFOs in Nigeria by total assets managed as of 2024
Total assets being managed as of 2024 – N5.90 billion
- Having served since 2012, Ojeile Cordelia is among the longest-tenured female CFOs in Nigeria’s listed companies, with 12 years in Learn Africa Plc. Her earlier role at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria equipped her with a strong grasp of compliance and tax optimization. Cordelia’s longevity highlights her stability in steering the finances of one of Nigeria’s enduring publishing and educational services companies.
- She joined Longman Nigeria PLC in 1998 as an Assistant Accountant and rose to the position of Assistant Management Accountant in 2006. She was appointed Management Accountant in 2009, and thereafter made the interim Head of Human Resource and Administration in 2011. In 2012, she rose to the position of Head of Finance and was appointed the Finance Director on 11 December 2014.
- Learn Africa recorded a dramatic turnaround, with PAT rising to N475 million in 2024 from just N11 million in 2023 — a 4,142.77% surge. Cash and cash equivalents grew 151.07% to N1.23 billion, compared to N489 million in the prior year. Market capitalization advanced from N3.91 billion at year-end 2024 to N6.08 billion as of August 21, 2025.
- Cordelia is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). She is an alumna of Yaba College of Technology.
