Lagos —
In Nigeria’s evolving corporate landscape, a cadre of formidable women are redefining what it means to lead finance at the highest levels. These Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), at the helm of publicly listed companies, are not only guardians of balance sheets but also architects of long-term corporate resilience.
Their influence spans across industries — from banking and insurance to oil, gas, and consumer goods. Collectively managing assets worth hundreds of millions of naira, these executives are navigating complex regulatory frameworks, steering profitability, and bolstering investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
The rise of female CFOs is a reflection of broader shifts in Nigeria’s business ecosystem, where international exposure, technical depth, and academic excellence converge with local expertise. Many bring decades of experience in treasury, taxation, and corporate finance, positioning their companies for sustainable growth while signaling a new era of gender representation in corporate governance.
Among the standout leaders is Victoria Adekdu, appointed CFO of Eunisell Interlink in August 2023. In just two years, her impact has been transformative. Under her financial stewardship, the company reported a 161.67 percent increase in profit after tax to N262 million in 2024, up from N100 million in 2023. Cash and cash equivalents soared 4,542.83 percent to N87 million, compared with only N2 million the year before. Market capitalization also expanded from N4.56 billion at year-end 2024 to N6.04 billion as of August 2025.
A Sociology graduate from the University of Lagos, Adekdu exemplifies the next wave of female executives driving Nigeria’s corporate transformation. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), she brings more than seven years of professional expertise in accounting, tax compliance, and financial services, coupled with a reputation for precision and goal-oriented leadership.
Her trajectory underscores a critical truth: Nigeria’s female CFOs are no longer outliers but central players shaping the financial destiny of their organizations. Their growing prominence is evidence of both shifting boardroom dynamics and the pressing need for diverse leadership in today’s competitive markets.
As Nigeria looks to solidify its position as a continental economic powerhouse, the achievements of these finance leaders will continue to echo far beyond their balance sheets — influencing corporate governance, investor sentiment, and the broader conversation on gender equity in leadership.
