TheCityCeleb’s 100 Most Influential Nigerians of 2024

Nigeria stands as a nation brimming with individuals who have made exceptional strides across every corner of society. From politics and entertainment to sports, business, and technology, these figures have shaped the country’s identity and extended their influence across global arenas.

In this curated list, we spotlight 100 individuals whose work has left an undeniable mark on Nigeria and the world. Their contributions—ranging from groundbreaking political leadership to creative excellence and impactful entrepreneurship—highlight the evolving landscape of Nigerian achievement.

The 100 Most Influential Nigerians of 2024 celebrate those who have transformed industries, championed causes, and used their platforms to shape national and international conversations. This diverse collection of trailblazers’ influence reverberates in boardrooms, on-screen, in the streets, and in communities. Their stories inspire and remind us of the dynamic spirit that defines Nigeria’s journey.

2024 has been a year of remarkable change, and these individuals stand at the forefront of it all. Whether through their pioneering efforts in entertainment, their drive to innovate in business, their leadership in government, or their advocacy for social change, each person on this list has played a part in defining what Nigeria is today and shaping what it will become.

Our selection process acknowledges both financial success and a broader societal impact—honoring those whose influence is reflected in the numbers and the lasting change they inspire. This is a celebration of Nigerian excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Join us as we recognize those whose achievements in 2024 have made Nigeria—and the world—a better place.

Politics

1. Bola Tinubu – President of Nigeria
2. Nyesom Wike – Former Governor of Rivers State
3. Yemi Osinbajo – Former Vice President
4. Peter Obi – Former Governor of Anambra State, Political Figure
5. Atiku Abubakar – Businessman and Politician
6. Rabiu Kwankwaso – Former Governor of Kano State
7. Ahmad Lawan – Former Senate President
8. Femi Gbajabiamila – Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria
9. Kayode Fayemi – Former Governor of Ekiti State
10. Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State

Entertainment (Music)

11. Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) – Musician
12. Wizkid (Ayodeji Balogun) – Musician
13. Davido (David Adeleke) – Musician
14. Tems (Temilade Openiyi) – Musician
15. Olamide – Musician and Producer
16. Tiwa Savage – Musician
17. Kizz Daniel – Musician
18. Fireboy DML – Musician
19. Rema (Divine Ikubor) – Musician
20. Asake – Musician

Nollywood

21. Genevieve Nnaji – Actress/Producer
22. Funke Akindele – Actress/Producer
23. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Actress
24. Ramsey Nouah – Actor
25. Kanayo O. Kanayo – Actor
26. Mercy Johnson – Actress
27. Ruth Kadiri – Actress
28. Ireti Doyle – Actress
29. Jim Iyke – Actor
30. Chidi Mokeme – Actor

Sports

31. Victor Osimhen – Footballer
32. Asisat Oshoala – Footballer
33. Tobi Amusan – Athlete
34. William Troost-Ekong – Footballer
35. Alex Iwobi – Footballer
36. Kelechi Iheanacho – Footballer
37. Israel Adesanya – Mixed Martial Artist
38. Ademola Lookman – Footballer
39. Anthony Joshua – Boxer
40. Ese Brume – Athlete

Business and Entrepreneurship

41. Aliko Dangote – Industrialist
42. Mike Adenuga – Telecommunications Magnate
43. Femi Otedola – Businessman
44. Folorunso Alakija – Businesswoman
45. Tony Elumelu – Banker/Investor
46. Herbert Wigwe – Bank CEO
47. Adewale Tinubu – Oil and Gas
48. Iyin Aboyeji – Tech Entrepreneur
49. Bosun Tijani – Tech Entrepreneur
50. Odunayo Eweniyi – Fintech Entrepreneur

Media and Journalism

51. Kadaria Ahmed – Journalist
52. Rufai Oseni – Journalist
53. Dele Momodu – Publisher
54. Seun Okinbaloye – Broadcaster
55. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu – TV Host
56. Toke Makinwa – Media Personality
57. Mo Abudu – Media Mogul
58. Funmi Iyanda – Broadcaster
59. Chude Jideonwo – Media Entrepreneur
60. David Hundeyin – Investigative Journalist

Arts and Literature

61. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author
62. El Anatsui – Artist
63. Ben Enwonwu – Artist (though deceased, his influence persists)
64. Wole Soyinka – Nobel Laureate in Literature
65. Dike Chukwumerije – Poet/Performer
66. Lola Shonibare – Artist
67. Teju Cole – Author/Photographer
68. Victor Ehikhamenor – Artist
69. Uche Okeke – Artist (Posthumous Influence)
70. Helon Habila – Author

Science and Academia

71. Philip Emeagwali – Computer Scientist
72. Grace Alele-Williams – Educator
73. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Economist (Global Influence)
74. Oby Ezekwesili – Economist/Activist
75. Chidi Maduakor – Scientist
76. Benedict Oramah – Afreximbank President
77. Akinwumi Adesina – AfDB President
78. Tayo Popoola – Scientist
79. Isaac Adewole – Health Minister/Professor
80. Chika Unigwe – Academic/Author

Social Impact and Activism

81. Aisha Yesufu – Activist
82. Femi Falana – Human Rights Lawyer
83. Mr Macaroni – Political Activist
84. VeryDarkMan – Social Media Activist
85. Maryam Shetty – Activist
86. Omoyele Sowore – Activist/Publisher
87. OluTimehin Adegbeye – Writer/Activist
88. Kemi Seba – Pan-Africanist (has influence in Nigeria)
89. Hadiza Bala Usman – Public Servant/Activist
90. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya – Gender Activist

Technology and Innovation

91. Jason Njoku – iROKOtv Founder
92. Mitchell Elegbe – Interswitch Founder
93. Tope Awotona – Calendly Founder
94. Seun Onigbinde – BudgIT Co-Founder
95. Adora Nwodo – Microsoft Africa
96. Ope Adeoye – Leadspace Founder
97. Gbenga Sesan – Internet Governance Advocate
98. Mayowa Olaniyan – Andela Co-Founder
99. Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze – Tech Entrepreneur
100. Fola Olatunji-David – Ventures Platform Founder