LAGOS — A seismic shift is occurring within Nigeria’s boardrooms. As of February 2026, the daughters of the nation’s industrial titans are no longer just “understudies”—they have officially taken the reins of some of Africa’s largest conglomerates.
From telecommunications to oil and legal practitioners, these 2nd-generation female leaders are redefining legacy, proving that family businesses can honor their foundations while evolving to meet the demands of a $100 billion national growth strategy.
The Dangote Dynasty: A New Era of Succession
In a major reshuffle announced on February 17, 2026, Aliko Dangote promoted his three daughters to senior executive roles, signaling the most significant step yet in his long-term succession planning.
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Halima Aliko Dangote: Named Group Executive Director, Dangote Family Office & International Offices. She now oversees governance and international operations across Dubai and London.
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Fatima Aliko Dangote: Appointed Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations – Oil & Gas. She is now at the helm of the group’s energy division, including the 650,000-bpd Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
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Mariya Aliko Dangote: Named Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations – Cement & Foods. She spearheads the commercial strategy for the group’s most established revenue drivers.
The Visionaries: Leading Beyond the Name
Beyond the Dangote Group, other 2nd-generation titans are carving out their own legacies:
Bella Disu (Executive Vice-Chairman, Globacom) The daughter of billionaire Mike Adenuga Jnr, Disu is a powerhouse in the telecommunications and real estate sectors. In 2025/2026, she has been pivotal in driving Globacom’s AI integration and its “SheGlows” program, designed to create a supportive ecosystem for women in tech. She also chairs Abumet Nigeria and holds a strategic role on the board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Dr. Amy Jadesimi (CEO, LADOL) Daughter of Chief Oladipo Jadesimi, Amy has transformed the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) into West Africa’s largest logistics and engineering facility. An Oxford-trained doctor with a Stanford MBA, she is a global advocate for sustainable industrialization.
Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye (Managing Partner, Compos Mentis) Continuing the legacy of her late father, legal icon Dafe Akpedeye SAN, Emokiniovo took the reins of Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners in 2020. With dual qualifications in Nigeria and the UK, she emphasizes that women bring a unique balance of empathy and discipline to family enterprises.
“Legacy must be nurtured, not merely preserved,” says Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye. “Women understand the people behind the business as deeply as we understand the numbers.”
A Regional Powerhouse: Olori Atuwatse III
Olori Atuwatse III, the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, represents a unique blend of tradition and modern enterprise. A qualified lawyer (LSE), she sits on the boards of her family’s businesses, including Wells Property Development Company and Wells Carlton, while leading massive social impact initiatives like Wuwu Ore for healthcare in the Niger Delta.
