In Nigeria’s ever-shifting economy, one constant has quietly underpinned growth: family-owned businesses.
For decades, they have been ingrained in society, shaping the country’s economic trajectory while weathering downturns, policy shifts, and volatile market cycles.
According to a study by McKinsey, family-owned businesses account for more than 70% of global GDP, generate annual turnovers of between $60 trillion and $70 trillion, and provide around 60% of global employment.
From trading outposts that evolved into sprawling conglomerates to food processors that turned local produce into export-ready products, these enterprises reflect the resilience and ingenuity that define Nigeria’s private sector and some parts of its public sector.
Their growth stories are not just about survival in sticky economic climes, but about steering directional change in key sectors of Africa’s largest economy.
Methodology
This spotlight draws companies with founding roots in Nigeria that have grown to serve wider markets across Africa and beyond. Each has been in operation for at least 25 years, with demonstrable succession in managerial or directorial roles within the family.
We also examined their journey maps, market expansion, brand strength, and institutional resilience using only publicly available data. This list is not exhaustive; many more family-owned firms continue to shape Nigeria’s economy outside the public eye.
Family: The Ezennas
The Orange Drugs story began in 1985, when Sir Tony Ezenna transformed his father’s small chemist shop into Orange Drugs Limited with just N15,000 in seed capital.
Subsequently, Orange Drugs Limited joined the beauty care industry through the importation of soaps, creams, and other beauty products. By 2006, the Company commenced the local production of different brands of soaps in Lagos and this was aimed at boosting the Nigerian manufacturing sector and also creating jobs for the populace. In order to meet up with the challenges in the global economy, Orange Drugs Limited later diversified its line of business by the establishment of Orange Kalbe Ltd and Orange West Africa Limited, leading to the formation of the Orange Group.
In the pharmaceutical space, Orange has forged enduring partnerships with some of Indonesia’s largest firms, including Kalbe Farma, Tempo Scan Pacific, Dexa Medica, and Mensa Group on products like Procold, Mixagrip, Sudrex, Boska, Delta Soap, Passion Energy Drink, and Extra Joss Energy Drink. They also offer products like Ginmil, Mintacid, and Tempovate Cream. Its relationship with Kalbe Farma dates back to the company’s founding in the 1980s, reflecting a decades-long commitment to international collaboration.
Recognition of Orange’s impact came early. In 1995, the company received the “Star Donor Award” from the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria for its contributions to healthcare.
