List of Nigerians

This is a list of notable Nigerian people. It includes some but not all notable Nigerians.

Administrators and civil servants

Charles Abani – resident coordinator of the United Nations
Yarima Ibrahim Abdullahi – Nigerian administrator, served as the Nigerian high commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei
Sarki Auwalu director general of the Department of Petroleum Resources
Adamu Abdu-Kafarati – former chief judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria
Suleiman Kassim – aviation secretary for the Ministry of Transportation
Bamidele Solomon former director general and CEO of NABDA

Politicians

A–M

Abba Kyari – late chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari
Abdulkadir Kure
Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Abdulsalami Abubakar
Abiola Ajimobi
Abubakar Momoh
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – prime minister of Nigeria
Adebayo Alao-Akala
Adedeji Adeleke
Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo
Adebayo Adepoju
Adebayo Alao-Akala
Adebayo Johnson Bankole
Adeoye Aribasoye
Adewale Egbedun
Adolphus Wabara
Ahmadu Bello
Ahmed Marafa
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa
Ajibola Basiru
Akanu Ibiam
Akinwunmi Ambode
Akinwumi Adesina
Alex Ekwueme
Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye - Nigerian jurist
Alhaji Idi Farouk
Ali Isa
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Alvan Ikoku
Aminu Tambuwal
Anamero Sunday Dekeri
Anyim Pius Anyim
Atiku Abubakar
Augustine Ukattah
Ayo Fayose
Azuka Okwuosa
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajimi Adegoke Benson
Babalola Borishade
Babatunde Fashola
Benjamin Anyene
Benjamin Kalu
Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju
Blessing Agbebaku
Bola Tinubu
Patrick Ekpotu
Bonaventure Enemali
Bukola Saraki
Bunmi Dipo Salami
Busari Adelakun
Chike Obi
Chimaroke Nnamani
Chris Ekiyor
Christopher Okojie
Christopher Pere Ajuwa
Chuba Okadigbo
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
Cornelius Adebayo
Dele Belgore
Dangiwa Umar
Dapo Folorunsho Asaju
Dipo Dina
David Umahi
David Dafinone
David Edevbie
David Mark
Dennis Osadebay
Desmond Elliot
Dimeji Bankole
Dora Akunyili
Edwin Clark
Effiong Okon Eyo
Emem Usoro
Emomotimi Agama
Ernest Shonekan
Evan Enwerem
Elvert Ayambem
Enitan Badru
Fadjimata Maman Dioula Sidibé
Fela Kuti
Festus Okotie-Eboh
Florence Ita Giwa
Franca Afegbua
Gbenga Daniel
Ghali Umar Na'Abba
Godwin Obaseki
Goodluck Jonathan
Gordian Ezekwe
Hadiza Bala Usman
Hadiza Seyni Zarmakoye
Hajiya Nàja'atu Mohammed
Herbert Macaulay
Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba
Ibrahim Babangida
Ike Ekweremadu
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Isa Mohammed Bagudu
Issoufou Assoumane
Iyorchia Ayu
Jaja Wachuku
Janet Akinrinade
Jibrin Ndagi Baba
Joe Acha
John Bonzena
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Joseph Wayas
Joy Emodi
Julius Abure
K. O. Mbadiwe
Kande Balarabe
Kayode Ajulo
Kayode Fayemi
Ken Erics
Ladoke Akintola
Lateef Adegbite
Lola Abiola-Edewor
Love Ezema
Khalil Halilu
Ken Nnamani
Malik Ado-Ibrahim
Margaret Ekpo
Michael Ajegbo
Michael Okpara
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Mohammed Bello-Koko
Mohammed Barkindo
Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi
Mohammed Mustapha Namadi
Moshood Abiola
Muhammadu Buhari
Murtala Muhammed
Musa Babayo

N–Z

Namadi Sambo
Nasir Adhama
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Nnamdi Azikiwe first president of Nigeria
Nwafor Orizu Nigeria's second head of state (1965–1966)
Nyesom Wike
Obafemi Awolowo
Ogbonnaya Onu
Okechukwu Enelamah
Oladipo Diya
Oloye Akin Alabi
Oludaisi Elemide
Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusola Saraki
O. C. Adesina – professor of history at the University of Ibadan and Global Professor of History at the University of Manchester
Owoidighe Ekpoatai
Patricia Etteh
Patrick Asadu
Patrick Obahiagbon
Paul Ururuka
Peter Obi
Peter Odili
Philip Agbese
Philip Effiong
Philip Ikeazor
Princess Pat Ajudua
Remi Babalola
Reno Omokri
Richard Bamisile
Rochas Okorocha
Rotimi Amaechi
Rukayya Dawayya
S. A. Ajayi
Saidu Musa Abdullahi
Saleh Mamman
Salihu Yakubu-Danladi
Sam Obi
Samuel Adesina
Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi
Sanusi Ado Bayero
Segun "Aeroland" Adewale
Shehu Shagari
Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem
Soji Adejumo
Stephen Adewale
Stephen Makoji Achema
Sullivan Chime
Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye
Tele Ikuru
Timi Alaibe
Tonto Dikeh
Tony Ene Asuquo
Tayo Alasoadura
Temitope Aluko
Tijani Adetoyese Olusi
Tunde Eso
Tunde Idiagbon
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua
Usman Mamman Durkwa
Uzoma Emenike
William Nwankwo Alo
Wilson Sabiya
Yahaya Madawaki
Yakubu Gowon
Yul Edochie
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed
Zainab Abubakar Alman

Military

Adekunle Fajuyi
Akinloye Akinyemi
Alexander Ogomudia
Aliyu Mohammed Gusau
Alwali Kazir
Benjamin Adekunle (Black scorpion)
Buba Marwa
C. Odumegwu Ojukwu
Chris Alli
Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu
Dangiwa Umar
Halilu Akilu
Hamza al-Mustapha
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida
Idris Alkali
Idris Garba
Ike Nwachukwu
Jamila Abubakar Sadiq Malafa
John Nmadu Yisa-Doko first indigenous chief of air staff
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Mamman Vatsa
Martin Luther Agwai
M. I. Wushishi
M. Ndatsu Umaru
Mohammed Sani Sami
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammed Shuwa
Murtala Mohammed
Oladipo Diya
Olusegun Obasanjo
Owoye Andrew Azazi
Paul Omu
Salihu Ibrahim
Sani Abacha
Sani Bello
Theophilus Danjuma
Tunde Idiagbon
Victor Malu
Yahaya Abubakar
Yakubu Gowon

Musicians

Actors

Artists

Media

Ifeoma Aggrey-Fynn (died 2015) – radio and television personality
Sam Amuka-Pemu – founder of the Vanguard newspaper, co-founder of The Punch
Nicole Asinugo screenwriter and presenter
Nenny B media personality
Lekan Fatodu publisher of Checkout magazine
Dul Johnson (born 1953) filmmaker and author
Babatunde Jose (1925–2008) – journalist and newspaper editor; considered the "grandfather of Nigerian journalism"
Farooq Kperogi – author, columnist, journalism professor at Kennesaw State University
Dele Momodu – publisher, writer/journalist; entrepreneur, CEO of Ovation International magazine
George Noah (born 1957) – journalist and former state official
Benneth Nwankwo (born 1995) – photographer, film director, talk show host
Cornelia O'Dwyer – talk show host
Femi Oke – journalist and television presenter; former CNN International television anchor
Bobby Ologun – television personality in Japan and martial artist
Adenike Oyetunde (born 1986) – Nigerian lawyer turned radio host and amputee advocate
Tunde Rahman – journalist, editor, and media advisor to president of Nigeria
Aisha Salaudeen (born 2017) – Nigerian journalist and feminist
Ikechi Uko – publisher, Akwaaba African Travel Market, ATQnews.com; author; travel and tourism media consultant

Educators

Abubakar Surajo Imam
Joseph Agbakoba – professor of practical philosophy
Atinuke Olusola Adebanji – professor of statistics and public
Claude Ake professor of political economy
Cletus Nzebunwa Aguwa professor of clinical pharmacy
Dennis Chima Ugwuegbu (born 1942) professor of psychology
Etannibi Alemika
Emenike Ejiogu professor of electrical and electronics engineering
Jude Rabo vice-chancellor of Federal University, Wukari
Olutayo Charles Adesina (born 1964) – professor of History
Tessy Okoli
Kate Omenugha (born 1965) – educator and politician
Thomas Adesanya Ige Grillo (1927–1998) professor of anatomy

Lawyers

Kayode Ajulo
Richard Ayodele Akintunde
Shaibu Atadoga
Segun Jegede
Christopher Sapara Williams (1855–1915) first indigenous Nigerian Lawyer

Writers

Chinua Achebe
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Lesley Nneka Arimah
Seinde Arogbofa
Adaeze Atuegwu
Ogaga Ifowodo
Nnamani Grace Odi
Wole Soyinka
Mamman Jiya Vatsa

Business people

Mustapha Abdullahi CEO of Energy Commission of Nigeria
Sowemimo Abiodun founder/CEO of CapitalMetriQ Swift Bank
Taofik Adegbite CEO of Marine Platforms
Bolaji Akinboro Nigerian entrepreneur
Obi Asika
Aliko Dangote
Halima Dangote
Daere Akobo
Theophilus Adebayo Doherty (1895–1974) Founding of the Nigerian Stock Exchange & the National Bank of Nigeria. Businessman, Politician & Lawyer.
Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere former president of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and winner of the Dr. Kwame Nkurumah African Leadership Award in Ghana.
Ben Murray-Bruce politician and Chairman of Silverbird Group
Johnel Nnamani — co-founder of Nnamani Music Group
Mary Nzimiro (1898–1993) businesswoman, politician and women's activist
Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu (1909–1966) Nigerian business tycoon
Segun Ogunsanya CEO of Airtel Nigeria
Femi Otedola – Nigerian businessman
Candido Da Rocha (1860–1959) – Nigerian businessman
Akintola Williams (1919–2023) First Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant. Founding of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Religion

Wande Abimbola academician; Ifá priest
Abubakar Gumi (1924–1992) Islamic scholar
Enoch Adeboye – pastor; general overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God
Sheikh Abu-Abdullah Adelabu academician;
Asi Archibong-Arikpo president of the Presbyterian Women's Guild in Nigeria, 1975–1982
Benson Idahosa Charismatic Pentecostal preacher; founder, Church of God Mission International
Bimbo Odukoya pastor; televangelist; founder, Fountain of Life Church
Chris Okotie
Chris Oyakhilome televangelist; founding president of Christ Embassy
Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi beatified by Pope John Paul II
David Obadiah Lot pastor, Church of Christ
Bishop David Oyedepo preacher; writer; founder and presiding bishop, Winners' Chapel (also known as Living Faith Church Worldwide); chancellor, Covenant University
Deborah Omale pastor, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry
Dominic Ekandem
Olakunle Soriyan
Emmanuel Omale founder, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry
Francis Arinze Catholic cardinal
John Onaiyekan Catholic cardinal
Ibrahim Zakzaky outspoken Shi'a leader
Joseph Ayo Babalola founder, Christ Apostolic Church
Joshua Selman apostle, founder, Eternity Network International ENI, Koinonia Global
Matthew Ashimolowo senior pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre (London, England)
Peter Akinola Anglican emeritus primate, Church of Nigeria
Samuel Ajayi Crowther
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Islamic scholar, Dariqat Tijjaniya Movement
T. B. Joshua Christian minister; televangelist and faith healer; founder, Synagogue, Church of All Nations; founder, Christian television station Emmanuel TV
Taiwo Odukoya senior pastor, The Fountain of Life Church
William Kumuyi pastor, televangelist; writer; founder and general superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church

Sports people

Human-rights activists

Aminu Kano
Ayodele Awojobi
Beko Ransome-Kuti
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi
Dele Giwa
Fela Kuti
Funke Abimbola
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Gani Fawehinmi
Kayode Ajulo
Kiki Mordi
Olikoye Ransome-Kuti
Olisa Agbakoba
Omoyele Sowore
Segun Awosanya
Sonny Okosun
Festus Keyamo
Ken Saro-Wiwa

Bloggers

Kemi Adetiba
Uche Pedro

International models

Agbani Darego winner, Miss World 2001
Ibife Alufohai winner, Miss Valentine International 2010 and founder of Miss Polo International
Mary Timms face of Next Generation Entertainment Awards 2017
Nelson Enwerem model, television personality and winner of Mr Nigeria 2018
Oluchi Onweagba winner, M-Net Face of Africa competition 1998
Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Science

Engineers

Sulyman Age Abdulkareem academic and chemical engineer
Esther Titilayo Akinlabi professor of mechanical engineering
Sarki Auwalu chemical engineer
Ayodele Awojobi polymath and mechanical engineer
Olufemi Bamiro professor of mechanical engineering
Philip Emeagwali 1989 Gordon Bell Prize winner
Ozak Esu electrical engineer
Gordian Ezekwe mechanical engineer notable for supervising the construction of the Biafran rocket during the Nigerian Civil War
Akii Ibhadode mechanical engineer
Tele Ikuru mechanical engineer
Ekei Essien Oku – first Nigerian woman chief librarian
Gbenga Sesan Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador
Bamidele Solomon Chemical engineer prominent in Nigeria's biotechnology industry
Rhoda Gumus – professor of Chemical Engineering and National Electoral Commissioner of INEC

Mathematicians

Chike Obi mathematician

Medical practitioners

Adeoye Lambo psychiatrist
Abayomi Ajayi obstetrician
Ameyo Adadevoh credited with having restricted the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria
Bennet Omalu forensic pathologist
Eyitayo Lambo health economist and technocrat
Olufunmilayo Olopade oncologist
Olumbe Bassir biochemist and nutritionist
Philomena Obiageliuwa Uyanwah – obstetrician and gynecologist
Uchenna Okoye – cosmetic dentist and media personality
Ayibatonye Owei – obstetrician and gynecologist

List of Nigerians

Administrators and civil servants

Politicians

A–M

N–Z

Military

Musicians

Actors

Artists

Media

Educators

Lawyers

Writers

Business people

Religion

Sports people

Human-rights activists

Bloggers

International models

Science

Engineers

Mathematicians

Medical practitioners

Scientists

Aviators

See also

References