When it comes to wealth, influence, and corporate leadership in Nigeria, bank CEOs stand tall. They are some of the most powerful executives in the country, managing billions of naira and driving the economy forward.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the top 10 richest bank CEOs in Nigeria and their net worth (2025). You’ll also learn about their biography, career journey, salaries, investments, and lifestyle. If you’ve been wondering who the richest bank CEOs are and how much they are worth, keep reading — everything is explained clearly here.
Why Are Bank CEOs in Nigeria So Wealthy?
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why bank CEOs in Nigeria are among the richest professionals.
Bank CEOs earn wealth from multiple sources:
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High annual salaries and bonuses.
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Shares and stock options in the banks they manage.
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Real estate investments and private businesses.
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Speaking engagements and board memberships in other companies.
Running a top bank in Nigeria is highly demanding but also extremely rewarding. Let’s now meet the wealthiest CEOs in the Nigerian banking sector.
Top 10 Richest Bank CEOs in Nigeria and Their Net Worth (2025)
Below is the complete and updated list of the richest bank CEOs in Nigeria and how much they are worth in naira and dollars.
1. Herbert Wigwe – ₦250 billion ($170 million)
Herbert Wigwe was the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings Plc until his tragic death in early 2024. His wealth and legacy, however, still dominate conversations. Wigwe transformed Access Bank into Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and expanded its footprint across Africa.
How Herbert Wigwe Made His Wealth:
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Massive salary and bonuses from Access Bank.
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Significant ownership of shares in Access Holdings.
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Investments in real estate, agriculture, and education (he founded Wigwe University).
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International partnerships and advisory roles.
Even posthumously, Wigwe’s family estate remains valued at approximately ₦250 billion.
2. Segun Agbaje – ₦180 billion ($122 million)
Segun Agbaje is the Group CEO of GTCO (Guaranty Trust Holding Company). He is respected for building GTB into one of the most profitable banks in Nigeria with a strong digital presence.
How Segun Agbaje Built His Wealth:
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Competitive salary and hefty dividends from GTCO.
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Substantial shareholding in GTCO.
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Investments in fintech, real estate, and stocks.
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Serving on several high-profile boards.
His net worth is estimated at ₦180 billion in 2025.
3. Ebenezer Onyeagwu – ₦130 billion ($88 million)
Ebenezer Onyeagwu is the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest banks. He succeeded Jim Ovia and has maintained the bank’s profitability and prestige.
Wealth Sources:
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Salary, bonuses, and shares from Zenith Bank.
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Strategic investments in real estate and private businesses.
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Board memberships and consulting services.
In 2025, his net worth stands at about ₦130 billion.
4. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – ₦95 billion ($64 million)
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is the first female Group Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc. Her bold leadership and innovative strategies have grown the bank impressively.
How She Accumulated Wealth:
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Competitive pay and stock options from Fidelity Bank.
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Investments in real estate, fashion, and education.
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Consulting and speaking engagements.
She is one of the wealthiest female executives in Nigeria, with a net worth of about ₦95 billion.
5. Adesola Adeduntan – ₦90 billion ($60 million)
Adesola Adeduntan leads First Bank of Nigeria Limited as its Managing Director/CEO. With his extensive background in finance and risk management, he’s kept the bank stable and profitable.
Sources of His Wealth:
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High salary, bonuses, and stock rewards from First Bank.
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Real estate investments in Lagos and Abuja.
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Investments in agriculture and technology startups.
His net worth in 2025 is estimated at ₦90 billion.
6. Yemisi Edun – ₦80 billion ($54 million)
Yemisi Edun became the first female Managing Director/CEO of FCMB (First City Monument Bank). Her steady leadership has earned her respect and wealth.
Her Earnings:
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Salary and bonuses from FCMB.
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Shares in FCMB and other investments.
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Real estate and entrepreneurial ventures.
Yemisi Edun’s net worth in 2025 is about ₦80 billion.
7. Kennedy Uzoka – ₦75 billion ($51 million)
Kennedy Uzoka was the former Group Managing Director of UBA (United Bank for Africa) before his tenure ended. However, his influence and wealth remain substantial.
His Wealth Streams:
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Executive compensation and UBA shares.
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Investments in logistics, real estate, and hospitality.
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Board appointments and advisory roles.
In 2025, his net worth is around ₦75 billion.
8. Miriam Olusanya – ₦65 billion ($44 million)
Miriam Olusanya is the first female Managing Director of GTBank, under GTCO. Her ascent to this position reflects her dedication and talent.
Her Income Sources:
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Executive salary and stock options from GTBank.
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Real estate and other business interests.
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Speaking at global finance conferences.
Her estimated net worth is ₦65 billion.
9. Hans Essler – ₦55 billion ($37 million)
Hans Essler, CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, has been a key figure in Nigeria’s banking industry. His international experience has brought fresh strategies to Stanbic IBTC.
How He Made His Fortune:
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Executive earnings and dividends from Stanbic IBTC.
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Investments in international stocks and property.
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Strategic consultancy and board memberships.
In 2025, his net worth is about ₦55 billion.
10. Tokunbo Abiru – ₦50 billion ($34 million)
Tokunbo Abiru, former CEO of Polaris Bank, is also a notable Nigerian senator and businessman. His banking and political careers have contributed to his wealth.
Sources of His Wealth:
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Salary and benefits from Polaris Bank.
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Political earnings and allowances.
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Investments in real estate and private companies.
His current net worth is estimated at ₦50 billion.
Summary Table of the Top 10 Richest Bank CEOs in Nigeria (2025)
Name | Position | Net Worth (₦) | Net Worth ($) |
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Herbert Wigwe | Ex-CEO, Access Holdings | ₦250B | $170M |
Segun Agbaje | Group CEO, GTCO | ₦180B | $122M |
Ebenezer Onyeagwu | GMD, Zenith Bank | ₦130B | $88M |
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe | GMD, Fidelity Bank | ₦95B | $64M |
Adesola Adeduntan | CEO, First Bank | ₦90B | $60M |
Yemisi Edun | CEO, FCMB | ₦80B | $54M |
Kennedy Uzoka | Former CEO, UBA | ₦75B | $51M |
Miriam Olusanya | MD, GTBank | ₦65B | $44M |
Hans Essler | CEO, Stanbic IBTC | ₦55B | $37M |
Tokunbo Abiru | Ex-CEO, Polaris Bank | ₦50B | $34M |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Richest Bank CEOs in Nigeria
Who is the richest bank CEO in Nigeria in 2025?
Herbert Wigwe remains the richest Nigerian bank CEO with an estimated net worth of ₦250 billion ($170 million), even after his death.
How much do bank CEOs in Nigeria earn annually?
Top Nigerian bank CEOs earn between ₦200 million and ₦1 billion annually in salaries, bonuses, and benefits, excluding dividends and investments.
Do bank CEOs in Nigeria own shares in their banks?
Yes, many bank CEOs hold substantial shares in the banks they manage, which contribute significantly to their wealth.
Who is the richest female bank CEO in Nigeria?
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank is the richest female bank CEO in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦95 billion.
How do bank CEOs invest their money?
They invest in real estate, stocks, agriculture, hospitality, technology, and advisory roles on boards of other companies.
Career Lessons from Nigeria’s Richest Bank CEOs
Here are some inspiring lessons you can learn from these banking executives:
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Education and experience are crucial for climbing to the top.
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Strategic investments outside your job build long-term wealth.
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Build your leadership and decision-making skills.
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Maintain integrity and professionalism to sustain success.
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Diversify your income streams through business and board roles.
Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Richest Bank CEOs in Nigeria and Their Net Worth (2025)
The Nigerian banking sector remains one of the most lucrative industries for talented and visionary leaders. The top 10 richest bank CEOs in Nigeria (2025) have demonstrated that with hard work, strategy, and discipline, anyone can build incredible wealth and influence.
These CEOs have not only enriched themselves but also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, growing businesses, and mentoring future leaders. Their stories are proof that corporate leadership can be both rewarding and impactful.
If you aspire to a career in banking or corporate leadership, study the lives of these CEOs for inspiration and guidance. Success takes time, but with persistence, it is possible.