In Nigeria, social media influencers have become powerful voices shaping culture, trends, and consumer behavior. As of 2025, influencers in Nigeria are no longer just content creators; they are entrepreneurs, brand ambassadors, and trendsetters impacting millions of followers both locally and internationally.
This article explores the top 10 most popular social media influencers in Nigeria for 2025. We will examine their background, rise to fame, platforms, audience reach, niche focus, and the impact they have on Nigerian society and business. If you want to understand who leads Nigeria’s social media space and why brands invest heavily in these influencers, this guide is for you.
What is a Social Media Influencer?
Before we dive into the list, let’s clarify what a social media influencer is.
A social media influencer is an individual who has built a sizable and engaged audience on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook. Their content influences followers' opinions, behaviors, and purchasing decisions. Influencers use their reach to promote brands, advocate causes, or create viral content.
In Nigeria, social media influencers cover many niches including fashion, beauty, comedy, politics, fitness, lifestyle, and entertainment.
Criteria for Ranking the Most Popular Influencers in Nigeria
Our ranking considers:
-
Follower count across major platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter)
-
Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares)
-
Content quality and consistency
-
Brand collaborations and endorsements
-
Cultural impact and trendsetting ability
-
Media presence and recognition
This comprehensive approach ensures that popularity is measured not just by numbers but by meaningful influence.
1. Kelechi “Kelvin” Okafor
Overview
Kelvin Okafor is a multi-talented influencer known for his lifestyle content, motivational posts, and entrepreneurship insights. He boasts over 8 million Instagram followers and a rapidly growing TikTok audience.
Content Focus
Kelvin’s content mixes personal development, fashion, and luxury lifestyle, appealing mainly to young professionals and entrepreneurs. His motivational quotes and success stories inspire millions.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
Brands like GTBank, MTN, and Gucci collaborate with Kelvin. His influence extends beyond social media through public speaking and business ventures.
2. Funke Akindele Bello (Jenifa’s Diary)
Overview
Funke Akindele, famously known for her role in Jenifa’s Diary, is a household name on social media. She has over 10 million Instagram followers and uses her platforms to promote entertainment, family values, and business.
Content Focus
Funke combines comedy skits, Nollywood content, and social causes. Her influencer status is bolstered by her active engagement with fans and consistent content updates.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
She is an ambassador for brands such as Coca-Cola and P&G. Her voice in entertainment and social issues cements her top influencer status.
3. Toke Makinwa
Overview
Toke Makinwa is a media personality, lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur with a following of over 7 million on Instagram. She is admired for her candid discussions on relationships, fashion, and beauty.
Content Focus
Toke’s engaging lifestyle posts and beauty tutorials resonate strongly with Nigerian women. She also shares motivational and mental health content.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
Toke partners with brands like Maybelline, Nestle, and Chivas Regal. Her brand appeals to high-end markets and millennial consumers.
4. Tunde Ednut
Overview
Tunde Ednut is a popular influencer and music blogger with over 4 million Instagram followers. Known for his humorous posts and trending news, he keeps his audience entertained and informed.
Content Focus
His niche includes music, comedy, celebrity gossip, and lifestyle. His viral content often sets social media trends in Nigeria.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
Brands in entertainment and lifestyle sectors frequently engage Tunde for promotions due to his high engagement rates.
5. Dimma Umeh
Overview
Dimma Umeh is a leading beauty influencer and makeup artist with a strong presence on YouTube and Instagram. She has over 2 million Instagram followers and millions of views on her makeup tutorials.
Content Focus
Dimma’s detailed makeup tutorials, skincare tips, and product reviews have positioned her as a trusted beauty authority in Nigeria.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
She collaborates with international and local cosmetic brands such as MAC, Maybelline, and Zaron Cosmetics.
6. Maraji (Gloria Oloruntobi)
Overview
Maraji is a comedic content creator famous for her ability to play multiple characters in skits. She has over 3 million Instagram followers and a significant TikTok audience.
Content Focus
Her humor addresses everyday Nigerian life, relationships, and social issues, making her relatable and widely loved.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
Brands such as Airtel and Globacom have used Maraji’s comedic touch in campaigns to engage youth audiences.
7. Sisi Yemmie (Yemisi Odusanya)
Overview
Sisi Yemmie is a lifestyle, food, and motherhood influencer with over 1 million YouTube subscribers and 1.5 million Instagram followers. She is respected for her honest and relatable content.
Content Focus
Her niche covers family life, cooking tutorials, wellness, and Nigerian culture.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
She partners with food brands and family-related companies, leveraging her trusted voice among Nigerian mothers.
8. Broda Shaggi (Samuel Perry)
Overview
Broda Shaggi is a comedian and actor with a massive following on Instagram and TikTok (over 5 million combined). His unique comedic style has earned him wide acclaim.
Content Focus
His skits blend humor with social commentary, touching on everyday challenges Nigerians face.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
Brands like Guinness Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries collaborate with Broda Shaggi for their marketing campaigns.
9. Gloria Oloruntobi
Overview
A rising influencer, Gloria uses Instagram and TikTok to showcase fashion and lifestyle content. She is popular among Gen Z and millennials for her relatable style.
Content Focus
Her posts include outfit inspirations, travel diaries, and motivational messages.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
She works with fashion brands and digital startups targeting youthful Nigerians.
10. Kemi Olunloyo
Overview
Kemi Olunloyo is a veteran journalist and social media influencer known for her bold opinions and investigative content. She commands respect across Twitter and Instagram.
Content Focus
Her focus is on social justice, politics, and current affairs, attracting an engaged audience interested in Nigerian socio-political issues.
Influence and Brand Collaborations
While less focused on traditional brands, her influence shapes public discourse and activism in Nigeria.
Summary Table: Top 10 Social Media Influencers in Nigeria (2025)
Rank | Influencer Name | Main Platform(s) | Followers (Millions) | Niche | Notable Brand Partners |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kelvin Okafor | Instagram, TikTok | 8 | Lifestyle, Motivation | GTBank, MTN, Gucci |
2 | Funke Akindele Bello | Instagram, Facebook | 10 | Entertainment, Family | Coca-Cola, P&G |
3 | Toke Makinwa | Instagram, YouTube | 7 | Lifestyle, Beauty | Maybelline, Nestle, Chivas Regal |
4 | Tunde Ednut | 4 | Music, Comedy | Entertainment & lifestyle brands | |
5 | Dimma Umeh | YouTube, Instagram | 2 | Beauty, Makeup | MAC, Maybelline, Zaron Cosmetics |
6 | Maraji | Instagram, TikTok | 3 | Comedy | Airtel, Globacom |
7 | Sisi Yemmie | YouTube, Instagram | 1.5 | Lifestyle, Food | Food & family brands |
8 | Broda Shaggi | Instagram, TikTok | 5 | Comedy | Guinness Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries |
9 | Gloria Oloruntobi | Instagram, TikTok | 1.2 | Fashion, Lifestyle | Fashion brands, Digital startups |
10 | Kemi Olunloyo | Twitter, Instagram | 1 | Politics, Social Justice | Advocacy groups, NGOs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Who is the most followed Nigerian influencer in 2025?
Funke Akindele holds one of the highest follower counts with over 10 million on Instagram. -
Which social media platform is best for Nigerian influencers?
Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are the leading platforms for influencers in Nigeria. -
How do Nigerian influencers make money?
Through brand endorsements, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, product sales, and event appearances. -
Are Nigerian influencers involved in social causes?
Yes, many influencers actively promote social justice, health awareness, and education. -
Can small businesses benefit from Nigerian influencers?
Yes, micro-influencers and niche content creators provide affordable marketing options. -
What kind of content is most popular in Nigeria?
Comedy, lifestyle, beauty, and motivational content attract large audiences. -
Do Nigerian influencers collaborate internationally?
Many top Nigerian influencers collaborate with global brands and international influencers. -
Is influencer marketing growing in Nigeria?
Yes, influencer marketing is a fast-growing industry with increasing brand budgets. -
How to become a successful influencer in Nigeria?
Consistency, authenticity, engagement with followers, and niche focus are key. -
What are challenges Nigerian influencers face?
Issues include content theft, online harassment, and monetization hurdles.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s social media influencer space in 2025 is vibrant and dynamic, led by creators who blend creativity, authenticity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The top 10 influencers listed here demonstrate the power of social media to shape trends, influence purchasing decisions, and impact social discourse.
For brands, marketers, or aspiring influencers, understanding these key figures and their strategies provides valuable insights into Nigeria’s digital economy. Whether you are seeking inspiration or collaboration, these influencers represent the future of Nigeria’s online culture and business.