In honour of IWD 2025, we at Duplo are highlighting Nigerian women in Finance that are taking center stage by shaping policies, leading institutions, and driving innovation. From banking and fintech to investment and economic policy, these women are setting the pace and redefining the future of finance in Nigeria.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate 20 Nigerian women making remarkable strides in the financial sector. Whether through leadership, advocacy, or digital transformation, these women are ones to watch this IWD 2025.
Feeling uninspired in your career? Read this to reignite your love for finance.
IWD 2025: Women To Watch
1. Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji – Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc
With nearly three decades of banking experience, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji made history as the first female Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank in June 2024. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the bank’s strategic growth, enhancing customer experience, and maintaining Zenith Bank’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.
2. Miriam Olusanya – Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
Miriam Olusanya is the first female Managing Director of GTBank, a position she has used to drive the bank’s digital transformation agenda. Under her leadership, GTBank has expanded its fintech services, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened its global financial standing.
3. Yemisi Edun – Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
With over 30 years of banking experience, Yemisi Edun continues to play a pivotal role in FCMB’s growth. As MD, she champions financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and corporate governance, ensuring the bank remains competitive in Nigeria’s dynamic financial sector.
4. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is a transformative leader in the banking sector. Since becoming the first female MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank, she has focused on customer-centric banking solutions, digital expansion, and increased profitability, making Fidelity one of Nigeria’s top-performing banks.
5. Patience Oniha – Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO)
As the Director General of the DMO, Patience Oniha is responsible for managing Nigeria’s public debt portfolio. Her expertise in fiscal policy, risk management, and debt restructuring has been crucial in stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and ensuring sustainable debt management strategies.
6. Bola Adesola – Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria
A veteran in Nigeria’s banking sector, Bola Adesola serves as the Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria. She has spent decades shaping corporate governance policies, advocating for gender inclusion in leadership, and guiding the bank’s strategic growth across West Africa.
7. Maryam Adefarati – CFO, Microsoft’s Africa Cluster
As the Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft’s Africa Cluster, Maryam Adefarati oversees the company’s financial health, strategy, and compliance. She plays a crucial role in driving revenue growth, financial planning, and digital transformation initiatives within Africa’s tech ecosystem. Her leadership ensures Microsoft’s continued dominance in cloud computing and enterprise solutions across Africa.
8. Oyinda Akanbi – CFO, Synlab Nigeria
As CFO of Synlab, Nigeria’s largest diagnostic and medical testing company, Oyinda Akanbi is responsible for financial strategy, risk management, and business expansion. Her financial expertise has helped Synlab scale operations, improve healthcare accessibility, and maintain profitability in a highly regulated industry.
9. Yetunde Oni – MD/CEO, Union Bank UK
With extensive international banking experience, Yetunde Oni leads Union Bank UK’s operations, ensuring strong financial performance and compliance with global banking standards. She has played a critical role in driving the bank’s international growth and maintaining its reputation as a trusted financial institution.
10. Ijeoma Esemudje – CFO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria
Ijeoma Esemudje is an expert in financial strategy, treasury management, and corporate finance. As CFO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, she is responsible for overseeing the bank’s financial health, managing investments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Her leadership is key to the bank’s continued success in a competitive market.
11. Halima Buba – Managing Director/CEO, SunTrust Bank Nigeria
Halima Buba is an advocate for financial inclusion and SME financing. Under her leadership, SunTrust Bank has expanded its services to underserved regions, providing banking solutions that empower small businesses and individuals.
12. Tomilola Majekodunmi – CEO, Bankly
As the co-founder and CEO of Bankly, Tomilola Majekodunmi is revolutionizing financial inclusion through digital savings and microfinance solutions tailored for Nigeria’s unbanked population. Her innovative approach to banking is helping bridge the gap between informal savings and formal financial services.
13. Yemi Keri – Co-Founder, Rising Tide Africa
Yemi Keri is a leading fintech investor and advocate for gender equity in finance. Through Rising Tide Africa, she has invested in numerous startups, empowering female entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement in Nigeria’s finance sector.
14. Olubunmi Akinremi – CFO, MTN Nigeria
Olubunmi Akinremi plays a vital role in managing the financial operations of MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom company. Her expertise in financial planning, cost control, and strategic investment has been crucial in maintaining MTN’s profitability and expansion.
15. Ronke Kuye – CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF)
Ronke Kuye is at the forefront of financial inclusion in Nigeria. As CEO of SANEF, she is responsible for expanding agent banking networks, ensuring financial services reach remote and underserved communities.
16. Aishah Ahmad – Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
Aishah Ahmad is a key figure in Nigeria’s monetary policy and banking supervision. She leads initiatives to strengthen financial stability, promote financial inclusion, and regulate banking institutions.
17. Titilola Shogaolu – MD/CEO, United Capital Asset Management
A seasoned investment manager, Titilola Shogaolu is driving innovative wealth creation and financial advisory services. Her leadership in asset management has positioned United Capital as a leading player in Nigeria’s investment landscape.
18. Damilola Thompson – Partner, EchoVC
Damilola Thompson is a venture capital expert, specializing in fintech investments. She supports startups that drive financial technology innovation, shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
19. Funke Ighodaro – CFO, Flour Mills of Nigeria
Funke Ighodaro is responsible for overseeing financial operations, cost optimization, and long-term financial planning at Flour Mills of Nigeria. Her expertise ensures the company’s profitability and sustainable expansion.
20. Modupe Kadri – CFO, Dangote Cement
As CFO of one of Africa’s largest manufacturing companies, Modupe Kadri plays a crucial role in financial planning, capital allocation, and risk management. Her leadership has helped Dangote Cement expand across multiple African markets.
Final Thoughts
These 20 women are transforming the financial sector and paving the way for the next generation of female leaders. As Nigeria’s finance industry grows, we look forward to seeing the continued impact of these trailblazers.
This International Women’s Day/ IWD 2025, let’s celebrate the achievements of women in finance and continue to champion gender inclusion in the industry.
