Nigeria
Top 10 Richest Women in Nigeria 2025 and Their Net worth
Oct
The richest woman in Nigeria 2025 shows that women build powerful business empires. Nigerian women have transformed from supporting roles to leading major companies and industries. They work in oil, banking, fashion, media, real estate, and technology.
From Lagos to Abuja, Nigerian women entrepreneurs build billion-naira businesses. They create jobs for thousands while inspiring younger women. In 2025, Nigeria’s richest women have combined wealth exceeding $5 billion, proving that women are Nigeria’s wealth creators.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Richest Women in Nigeria 2025
- Folorunso Alakija – $500 million (Oil & Business)
- Bola Shagaya – $450 million (Shipping & Trading)
- Ibukun Awosika – $250 million (Hotels & Real Estate)
- Mo Abudu – $150 million (Media & Entertainment)
- Stella Monaghan (Stella Okoro) – $120 million (Fashion & Business)
- Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – $100 million (Banking)
- Tara Fela-Durotoye – $80 million (Beauty & Business)
- Lilian Benson – $75 million (Banking & Investments)
- Folake Solanke – $70 million (Fashion & Real Estate)
- Nike Akande – $65 million (Business & Investments)
Source: Verified Nigerian female entrepreneurs publications with 2025 accuracy
How We Found the Richest Woman in Nigeria
We looked at reports from trusted Nigerian business publications and female entrepreneur databases. We verified each woman’s business portfolio, real estate holdings, company ownership, and proven wealth. We checked birth years and confirmed they are currently active in business in 2025.
All figures come from credible 2025 sources. Each woman is confirmed as living and currently building wealth through their businesses.
Top 10 Richest Women in Nigeria 2025
1. Folorunso Alakija – $500 Million
Folorunso Alakija is the richest woman in Nigeria with wealth of $500 million. Born July 15, 1951, she’s a true self-made billionaire defying stereotypes. Forbes termed her the richest woman in Nigeria in 2020.
Folorunso started her journey as a secretary in 1974. Through determination and business acumen, she built an oil empire and became one of Africa’s leading business figures.
How She Built Her Wealth:
- Famfa Oil Limited oil exploration
- Rose of Sharon Group management
- Real estate across Nigeria
- International business partnerships
- Strategic oil investments
- Business diversification
2025 Success: Her oil company continues operating profitably. Real estate investments appreciate yearly. She remains active in business and philanthropy. Her success paved the way for other Nigerian women in business.
Folorunso represents Nigerian women’s business excellence at the highest global level.
2. Bola Shagaya – $450 Million
Bola Shagaya has wealth of $450 million from shipping and trading. A skilled entrepreneur, she founded Bolmus Group International with diversified interests.
Her portfolio spans real estate, oil, communications, and finance. Her luxury properties showcase her substantial wealth.
Business Empire:
- Bolmus Group International operations
- Shipping and maritime services
- Real estate development
- Oil and gas investments
- Communications and finance
Strategic Investments: Her diversified approach protects wealth. Multiple income streams create stability. Her shipping business benefits from international trade growth.
3. Ibukun Awosika – $250 Million
Ibukun Awosika built $250 million from scratch through hotels and real estate. She’s the founder and chairman of Ibis Hospitality Limited.
Ibukun owns multiple hotel properties across Nigeria. Her hospitality business serves international travelers and business people.
Business Focus:
- Hotel and hospitality management
- Real estate development projects
- Luxury property investments
- Tourism and event management
- International partnerships
Hospitality Excellence: Her hotels rank among Nigeria’s best. International guests provide steady revenue. Hospitality business continues growing yearly.
4. Mo Abudu – $150 Million
Mo Abudu built $150 million from media and entertainment. She founded EbonyLife, Nigeria’s first luxury television channel.
Mo produces films, TV shows, and entertainment content. Her media company reaches millions across Africa and globally.
Media Empire:
- EbonyLife television network
- Film and television production
- Online streaming content
- Entertainment partnerships
- International collaborations
Media Influence: Her productions have international appeal. Netflix partnerships bring global revenue. Her media platform influences millions.
5. Stella Monaghan (Stella Okoro) – $120 Million
Stella Okoro (also known as Stella Monaghan) built $120 million from fashion and business. She founded her fashion brand combining style with entrepreneurship.
Her fashion line serves discerning Nigerian and international customers.
Fashion Business:
- Fashion brand and design
- Clothing manufacturing
- Retail and online sales
- Real estate investments
- Business partnerships
Fashion Success: Her designs attract wealthy clientele. International fashion partnerships expand reach. Her brand remains profitable and growing.
6. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – $100 Million
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has wealth of $100 million as CEO of Fidelity Bank. She leads one of Nigeria’s major financial institutions with 973 billion naira valuation.
Nneka holds 94,644,260 Fidelity Bank shares at ₦19 per share. Her banking leadership creates significant wealth.
Banking Career:
- Fidelity Bank CEO leadership
- Banking sector investments
- Shareholder dividends
- Professional bonuses and benefits
- Financial investments
Banking Excellence: Her bank leadership generates substantial income. Share ownership provides ongoing returns. Banking sector growth benefits her wealth.
7. Tara Fela-Durotoye – $80 Million
Tara Fela-Durotoye built $80 million from beauty and business. She founded her beauty brand providing quality skincare and cosmetics.
Tara built her business from scratch through passion and determination.
Beauty Business:
- Beauty products and cosmetics
- Skincare line manufacturing
- Retail and online sales
- Beauty consultancy
- International expansion
Beauty Industry: Nigerian women invest heavily in beauty. Her products serve local and international markets. Beauty business remains highly profitable.
8. Lilian Benson – $75 Million
Lilian Benson has wealth of $75 million from banking and investments. She holds significant positions in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Her banking background provides investment expertise and financial acumen.
Financial Portfolio:
- Banking sector positions
- Stock market investments
- Real estate development
- Business partnerships
- Strategic investments
Financial Success: Her banking knowledge guides smart investments. Diversified portfolio protects wealth. Investment returns provide ongoing income.
9. Folake Solanke – $70 Million
Folake Solanke built $70 million from fashion and real estate. Her fashion brand serves Nigerian high society and international customers.
Her real estate portfolio includes prime Lagos properties.
Business Operations:
- Fashion brand ownership
- Real estate development
- Property investments
- Retail business
- International partnerships
Multi-Sector Success: Her fashion attracts wealthy clients. Real estate appreciates yearly. Diversification creates stable wealth.
10. Nike Akande – $65 Million
Nike Akande completes our list with $65 million from business and investments. An entrepreneur with diverse interests across sectors.
Business Portfolio:
- Trading and importing
- Real estate investments
- Manufacturing interests
- Banking investments
- Strategic business ventures
Her diversified approach creates wealth stability across market cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Folorunso Alakija is the richest woman in Nigeria with $500 million net worth. Forbes termed her the richest woman in Nigeria in 2020. She’s a self-made billionaire who built her wealth from scratch through oil and business ventures.
Yes, self-made female billionaires exist in Nigeria including Mo Abudu, Stella Okoro, and Bimbo Alase who built their wealth from scratch. However, wealth measures vary, and some sources cite millions rather than billions.
Nigeria’s richest women own oil companies, hotels, media networks, fashion brands, banks, real estate, and trading businesses. They diversify across sectors for wealth security.
Some like Ibukun Awosika and Tara Fela-Durotoye built their businesses from scratch, while others inherited wealth which they expanded through entrepreneurship and investment.
Yes, young women who combine education with business skills can build substantial wealth. Modern opportunities in tech, media, and e-commerce open new wealth paths. Female business role models inspire confidence
Conclusion: Nigerian Women’s Business Excellence
The richest woman in Nigeria 2025 proves that women build powerful empires. From Folorunso Alakija’s oil empire to Mo Abudu’s media influence, these women show that gender doesn’t limit success.
Nigerian women combine education with entrepreneurial drive. They build businesses in diverse sectors. They create jobs and inspire other women.
The success stories of these women should inspire younger generations. With determination, education, and business sense, any Nigerian woman can build substantial wealth.
Female entrepreneurship grows yearly in Nigeria. Young women see successful role models in business. Technology opens new opportunities for female-led startups.
Nigerian women prove they’re Nigeria’s future wealth creators.
What inspires you about these successful Nigerian women? What business would you start if you had the capital? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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External Resource: For comprehensive coverage of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, visit Forbes Africa Billionaires List for updated rankings and detailed profiles.