Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, and much of its strength comes from powerful companies that dominate sectors like oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, and consumer goods. These companies not only generate billions of dollars in revenue but also employ thousands of Nigerians, contribute to government revenue through taxes, and attract foreign investors.
In 2025, the wealthiest companies in Nigeria continue to set the pace for Africa’s economic growth. From multinational corporations like Dangote Group and MTN Nigeria to banking giants such as Zenith Bank and Access Holdings, these organizations represent the country’s economic backbone.
This article provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 12 wealthiest companies in Nigeria and their net worth in 2025, explaining their industries, financial strength, and contribution to national development.
How the Wealth of Nigerian Companies is Measured
Before diving into the detailed breakdown, it’s important to explain how company wealth is measured. The ranking is based on:
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Market Capitalization – Value of a company’s outstanding shares on the stock market.
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Total Assets – Land, properties, investments, cash reserves, and subsidiaries.
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Revenue and Profitability – Yearly turnover and consistent profit margins.
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Economic Impact – Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, tax payments, and job creation.
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Global Presence – International operations and influence across Africa.
By combining these indicators, the list accurately reflects the financial strength and influence of the top Nigerian companies in 2025.
1. Dangote Group – $25 Billion Net Worth
Dangote Group remains the wealthiest company in Nigeria in 2025. Founded by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, the conglomerate operates across cement, sugar, salt, flour, and fertilizer industries.
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Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
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Key Subsidiaries: Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Fertilizer Plant
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Strengths: Market leader in cement production in Africa, with exports to over 10 countries.
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Employment Impact: Over 35,000 jobs directly created in Nigeria.
Dangote Cement alone contributes nearly $1 billion annually in taxes, making it a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.
2. MTN Nigeria – $15 Billion Net Worth
MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of MTN Group, is Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Telecommunications
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Subscribers: Over 75 million active users in 2025
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Revenue Streams: Voice, data, fintech services, mobile money, and enterprise solutions
MTN Nigeria contributes massively to digital transformation, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. With heavy investments in 5G technology, MTN is shaping Nigeria’s internet economy.
3. Zenith Bank Plc – $12 Billion Net Worth
Zenith Bank remains Nigeria’s most valuable bank by market capitalization.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Services: Corporate banking, retail banking, digital banking, wealth management
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Strengths: Strongest digital banking infrastructure in Nigeria
Zenith Bank has consistently maintained high profitability, with net profits crossing ₦500 billion in 2024.
4. Access Holdings Plc – $11.5 Billion Net Worth
Access Holdings, parent company of Access Bank, has grown into one of Africa’s largest financial institutions.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Branches: Over 600 branches across Nigeria and Africa
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Net Worth: $11.5 Billion
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Strengths: Wide global presence in over 10 countries
Access Holdings expanded aggressively through acquisitions, making it a major player in African banking.
5. Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) – $11 Billion Net Worth
GTCO, formerly Guaranty Trust Bank, is one of Nigeria’s most innovative banks.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Strengths: Known for strong customer service, digital banking, and international reach.
GTCO’s net worth is boosted by its diversified investment in pensions, asset management, and payments services.
6. NNPC Limited – $10 Billion Net Worth
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is a fully commercialized oil company owned by the Nigerian government.
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Headquarters: Abuja
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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Strengths: Controls Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production.
NNPC Limited’s transformation into a commercial entity has boosted its profitability, making it one of Nigeria’s wealthiest companies.
7. BUA Group – $9 Billion Net Worth
BUA Group, owned by billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, is another powerful conglomerate in Nigeria.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Key Subsidiaries: BUA Cement, BUA Foods
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Net Worth: $9 Billion
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Strengths: Competes directly with Dangote in cement and sugar.
BUA Cement is the second largest cement producer in Nigeria, giving the group a strong market position.
8. First Bank of Nigeria Holdings – $8.5 Billion Net Worth
First Bank is Nigeria’s oldest bank, founded in 1894.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Branches: Over 750 branches nationwide
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Strengths: Deep market penetration and long history of stability.
The holding company continues to grow through digital transformation and expansion across Africa.
9. United Bank for Africa (UBA) – $8 Billion Net Worth
UBA, also called Africa’s Global Bank, has a strong international presence.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Branches: Over 1,000 branches in 20 African countries, plus UK, US, and France.
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Strengths: International banking services and remittances.
UBA is one of the few Nigerian companies with a global footprint, boosting its net worth.
10. Nestlé Nigeria Plc – $7.5 Billion Net Worth
Nestlé Nigeria, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A. Switzerland, is a leader in the food and beverage industry.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Products: Maggi, Milo, Nescafé, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life water
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Strengths: Household brands trusted by millions of Nigerians.
With consistent revenue growth, Nestlé remains one of the top consumer goods companies in Nigeria.
11. Seplat Energy Plc – $6.5 Billion Net Worth
Seplat Energy is one of Nigeria’s leading independent oil and gas companies.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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Strengths: Exploration, production, and gas-to-power projects.
Seplat is listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, attracting foreign investors.
12. Lafarge Africa Plc – $5.5 Billion Net Worth
Lafarge Africa, part of the global Holcim Group, is a major cement manufacturer in Nigeria.
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Headquarters: Lagos
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Industry: Cement & Construction
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Strengths: Known for quality cement products used in mega projects.
Lafarge plays a big role in Nigeria’s construction sector, providing cement for housing, bridges, and roads.
Summary Table: Top 12 Wealthiest Companies in Nigeria 2025
Rank | Company Name | Industry | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Headquarters |
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1 | Dangote Group | Conglomerate (Cement, Sugar, Fertilizer) | $25 Billion | Lagos |
2 | MTN Nigeria | Telecommunications | $15 Billion | Lagos |
3 | Zenith Bank Plc | Banking & Finance | $12 Billion | Lagos |
4 | Access Holdings Plc | Banking & Finance | $11.5 Billion | Lagos |
5 | Guaranty Trust Holding (GTCO) | Banking & Finance | $11 Billion | Lagos |
6 | Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) | Oil & Gas | $10 Billion | Abuja |
7 | BUA Group | Conglomerate (Cement, Sugar, Foods) | $9 Billion | Lagos |
8 | First Bank of Nigeria Holdings | Banking & Finance | $8.5 Billion | Lagos |
9 | United Bank for Africa (UBA) | Banking & Finance | $8 Billion | Lagos |
10 | Nestlé Nigeria Plc | Consumer Goods (Food & Beverage) | $7.5 Billion | Lagos |
11 | Seplat Energy Plc | Oil & Gas | $6.5 Billion | Lagos |
12 | Lafarge Africa Plc | Cement & Construction | $5.5 Billion | Lagos |
Economic Impact of Nigeria’s Wealthiest Companies
These companies collectively contribute:
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Billions in tax revenue to the Nigerian government.
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Over 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
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Massive foreign investments into Nigeria’s economy.
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Infrastructural development, such as roads, housing, and digital networks.
They also influence stock market performance, with most listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Comparison with Other African Companies
While Nigeria has some of Africa’s wealthiest companies, countries like South Africa and Egypt also host large corporations. For example:
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South Africa’s Sasol and Naspers are valued higher than most Nigerian firms.
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Egypt’s Commercial International Bank (CIB) competes strongly with Nigerian banks.
Still, Nigeria remains a giant in West Africa, with its companies dominating the regional economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which is the richest company in Nigeria in 2025?
Dangote Group, with a net worth of about $25 billion.
2. What is the biggest bank in Nigeria by assets?
Access Holdings Plc is the largest by total assets.
3. Which Nigerian company is the most profitable?
Zenith Bank and MTN Nigeria consistently report the highest profits.
4. Is NNPC still government-owned?
Yes, but it now operates as a commercial limited liability company.
5. What is the largest cement company in Nigeria?
Dangote Cement, followed by BUA Cement and Lafarge Africa.
6. Which Nigerian company has the highest international presence?
United Bank for Africa (UBA) operates in over 20 countries.
7. Which company dominates Nigeria’s telecom industry?
MTN Nigeria, followed by Airtel Nigeria.
8. Are Nigerian banks safe for investment?
Yes, top banks like Zenith, GTCO, and Access have strong regulatory compliance.
9. Which consumer goods company is the richest in Nigeria?
Nestlé Nigeria Plc.
10. Do these companies trade on the Nigerian Stock Exchange?
Yes, most are listed, except Dangote Group (privately owned) and NNPC Limited.
Conclusion
The top 12 wealthiest companies in Nigeria in 2025 represent the strength, diversity, and resilience of Africa’s largest economy. From oil giants and cement manufacturers to telecom providers and global banks, these corporations drive Nigeria’s growth.
For investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, studying these companies offers insights into Nigeria’s most profitable industries and future opportunities. As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy, these companies will remain at the forefront of wealth creation and economic development.