Women in the banking industry have emerged pathfinders amidst global social transformations. In a sector traditionally male-dominated, they have dismantled barriers and shattered glass ceilings by leveraging their distinct perspectives and insights to propel growth.
Their invaluable leadership transcends borders, notably in Nigeria, where women now dominate key positions within the banking sector and other financial institutions.
Here are ten remarkable women currently occupying top leadership roles in Nigeria’s banking industry.
1. Bukola Smith
MD/CEO FSDH Merchant Bank
Bukola Smith is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at the FSDH Merchant Bank, one of the five merchant banks in Nigeria. She is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Pension Management.
In addition to many of her achievements she established the FCMB’s women in business desks (sheventures) which aims to support female entrepreneurs.
2. Adaora Umeoji
Group MD/CEO Zenith Bank, Plc
Adaora has over 30 years of experience, including 26 years at Zenith Bank. She was recently appointed as the Group MD/CEO of Zenith Bank Nigeria, making her the first woman to occupy the position.
Before her appointment she served as the bank’s deputy managing director from October, 2016. Aside from her immense contributions to the banking sector, she also has numerous accolades to her name outside the field.
3. Miriam Olusanya
MD of Guaranty Trust Bank
Olusanya serves as the Managing Director (MD) board of GTbank Nigeria, Prior to her appointment as the bank’s MD, she was appointed Executive Director in 2018 and held positions as the Group’s Treasurer and Head of its wholesale banking division. Miriam possesses over 25 years of experience in the banking sector.
4. Bolaji Agbede
Acting GCEO Access Holdings
Bolaji has emerged as a prominent figure in the business world with over 27 year’s experience, notably as the acting Group Executive officer of Access holdings following the death of Herbert Wigwe the company’s former GCEO, she first joined the company in 2003 and has played crucial roles in enhancing the company’s brand.
5. Nneka Onyeali Ikpe
MD/CEO Fidelity Bank
Nneka occupies the office of the MD/CEO of Fidelity bank making her the first female MD/CEO in the bank’s history. Over her 30 years professional career She has worked in standard chartered bank, zenith bank plc, and citizen’s international bank where she held various important managerial positions.
6. Yemisi Edun
MD/CEO of First City Monument Bank
Yemisi is the CEO and MD of first city monument bank FCMB she is also the first female to ever hold the position. She joined the bank in 2000 and has since then worked towards the bank’s progress leading up to her position. Prior to her years in FCMB she worked as a corporate finance specialist.
7. Tomi Somefun
MD/ CEO of Unity Bank Plc
Tomi has over 25 years of experience working in the banking sector, She has served as the MD/CEO of two significant UBA subsidiaries and is currently the MD/CEO of Unity bank plc. She has also worked as a senior audit assistant for KPMG, she is now one of the most experienced females in the banking sector.
8. Yetunde Oni
MD/CEO Union Bank of Nigeria
Yetunde was appointed by the central bank of Nigeria as the MD/CEO of the Union bank of Nigeria in January, 2024.
She has had a successful career in the banking sector spanning over 30 years holding senior positions in international and local banks.
9. Ireti Samuel Ogbu
CEO CitiBank Nigeria
Ireti currently holds double positions as the CEO of Citibank Nigeria as well as Citibank’s country officer for Nigeria and Ghana. Prior to her current office over her 30 years of experience she has held numerous positions both Abroad and in Nigeria across prominent financial institutions.
10. Halima Buba
MD/CEO SunTrust Bank.
Halima Buba is the MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank Limited, she assumed office in January 2020. She is a co founder and former executive director at Taj Consortium- an organization of young dynamic technocrats and financial advisory experts.
In conclusion the increasing presence of women in the banking sector has created a more equitable and inclusive industry, setting positive examples for future generations and breaking down barriers to entry.
