Nigeria’s involvement of women in politics in recent years have gone beyond the horizon. While their contributions extend past financial wealth, it is worth acknowledging the accomplishments of Nigerian women who have made their mark in both politics and business, amassing considerable wealth along the way.
These influential women have shattered gender barriers, demonstrating their prowess in the political arena while simultaneously building successful careers in business and entrepreneurship. They have not only contributed to the development of Nigeria but have also become sources of inspiration for aspiring female leaders across the nation.
In this article, we will highlight some prominent women figures who have played significant roles in Nigerian politics and have become known for their wealth.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu
Oluremi Tinubu, Nigerian politician and the wife of Bola Tinubu, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been involved in politics having served as a senator representing Lagos Central since 2011 and holding the record of the longest-serving senator from Lagos State with three terms. While her wealth may be partly attributable to her husband’s success, she has made her own contributions to Nigerian politics.
She became the first lady of Lagos State when her husband, Bola Tinubu, was elected as governor and her involvement began when she was elected as a senator representing Lagos Central, a position she has held since then. Oluremi was one of over 100 senators elected in the 8th assembly in 2015. Six of these were women. She was listed alongside Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tony Elumelu and other prominent people for the Eko Excellence Awards in 2019.
Oluremi Tinubu’s journey exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between politics and wealth in Nigeria. Her contributions to Nigerian politics have positioned her as one of the influential Nigerian women who have excelled. Her achievements and financial prosperity stand as a testament to the potential for women to thrive in Nigerian politics.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one of the richest Nigerian women politicians primarily known for her expertise in economics and finance as well as her involvement in Nigerian politics. Okonjo-Iweala’s wealth stems from her successful career in finance and her various roles in international institutions.
She served as the Minister of Finance of Nigeria, during her tenure, she spearheaded numerous reforms and played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies. Her wealth is a result of her successful career in finance, coupled with her influential roles in international organizations. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s contributions to Nigerian politics and global economics have cemented her as a respected figure, and her impact extends far beyond financial prosperity.
Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous recognition and awards such as one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders,the Top 100 Most Influential People in the World, the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, amongst others. She is currently serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization is the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as Director-General.
Senator Binta Masi Garba
Binta Masi Garba is a Nigerian politician, businesswoman and administrator. Having served in the Federal House of Representatives three times, she is the first politician to represent two different Federals in 2009.
Garba started her political career in the year 1998 in Kaduna after she worked with the New Nigeria Newspapers as an advert officer. The refusal to get a promotion she was due for to gender inequality made her an advocate for women rights. This prompted her to take up the mandate to represent them in the Federal House of representative Kaduna South Federal Constituency.
She was elected as the first Vice President of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) under Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in Cameroon. She is the only female Senator-Elect in all the 19 Northern States of Nigeria in 2015 elections as well as the only female delegate from Adamawa State to the National Conference in Abuja.
Abike Dabiri
Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa, Nigerian politician and former member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos State. She was the Chairman of the House Committee on Media & Publicity and also the former Chairperson of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.
Abike Dabiri, was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in 2015 was given a new role of Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission in 2018. She is the incumbent Chairman/CEO of Nigeria in the Diaspora Commission.
Oby Ezekwesili
Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili is a Nigerian politician, economist, humanitarian and an activist. She is a former vice president for the World Bank’s Africa region, co-founder and founding director of Transparency International. As a two-time Federal Minister of solid minerals in Nigeria and later as Federal MInister of Education, she is the founder of FixPolitics Initiative, a research-based citizen-led initiative, the School of Politics Policy and Governance (SPPG), and Human Capital Africa.
Ezekwesili is also a chartered accountant, public analyst, and senior economic advisor from Anambra state. She served as the vice president of the World Bank’s Africa region and is also a senior fellow at YALE Jackson School of Global Affairs.