10 Female Ministers In Nigeria You Should Know About
Nigerian women have taken on important leadership roles in the government. These women have worked hard and achieved great things while serving the people of Nigeria.
They have taken on big responsibilities and challenges in positions like finance, humanitarian aid, women’s affairs, and the environment.
Their stories show how dedicated and capable they are. In this guide, you will learn about the top 10 female ministers In Nigeria, how they got into politics, their educational backgrounds, and their major contributions to Nigerian society.
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Who Are The Top 15 Female Ministers In Nigeria?
1. Zainab Ahmed
Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed is a prominent Nigerian politician and accountant who has held notable ministerial positions in the country.
She served as the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning from August 2019 to May 2023, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
She previously held the position of Minister of Finance from September 2018 to May 2019, and before that, she was the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning from November 2015 to September 2018.
Ahmed’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
She has demonstrated a commitment to public service throughout her career, having served in different capacities within the Nigerian government and public sector.
In addition to her ministerial roles, Ahmed has held positions such as the executive secretary and national coordinator of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and has served on the boards of NEITI and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
She’s known for her efforts to boost government revenue and manage public debt and is also recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential ministers.
Zainab has also held high-ranking positions in both the public and private sectors, including managing director of the Kaduna State of Nigeria’s investment company and Chief Finance Officer of a telecommunications company.
2. Sadiya Umar Farouq
Sadiya Umar Farouq is one of Nigeria’s top female ministers, notably serving as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from August 2019 to May 2023.
Appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, she was the youngest minister in his cabinet. Farouq’s political career began with her involvement in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), where she eventually became the national treasurer.
Her dedication led her to Important roles within the All Progressives Congress (APC), serving as a member of the APC’s presidential campaign council during the 2015 general elections.
Sadiya’s tenure as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) showed her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Upon assuming the role of minister, Farouq leads the way in impactful ambitions, empowering over 20 million Nigerians through different social investment programs.
Under her leadership, the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme provided nutritious meals to 9.9 million primary school children, while the N-Power scheme upskilled over 1.6 million youths.
Additionally, her efforts in coordinating humanitarian relief, collaborating with international partners, and advocating for vulnerable groups underscored her dedication to inclusive governance.
Farouq’s focus on measuring impact set a high standard for accountability in her ministry. Through her strategic leadership, she impacted Nigeria’s social development scene, striving to achieve zero hunger and promote sustainable development.
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3. Pauline Tallen
Pauline Tallen is a top figure in Nigerian politics. She served as the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development from 2019 to 2023, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before this role, Tallen was the Minister of State for Science and Technology under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
However, her political journey began in 1976, starting as a clerical officer and gradually climbing to ministerial roles. She made history as the first female deputy governor in northern Nigeria, serving in Plateau State from 2007 to 2011.
Despite electoral setbacks and party transitions, she remained resilient in her political career, driven by her commitment to public service.
With a degree in sociology from the University of Jos, Tallen’s contributions grow beyond politics. She was engaged in different initiatives, serving as a board member of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA).
Recognized for her dedication, Tallen was honored as Woman of the Year at the 10th African Icon of Our Generation Award.
4. Rita Akpan
Rita Akpan is one of the most influential female ministers In Nigeria, who served as the Minister of Women Affairs from July 2003 to June 2005 in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
She was born on September 28, 1944, in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. Rita earned degrees in Languages and Education from the University of Oregon, USA.
Her career began in 1968 and spanned many roles in education and government. She worked at the American International School in Lagos and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Rita also served as Head of the French Department at the Federal Government Girls’ College in Calabar and later became the Vice Principal.
Rita Akpan also contributed especially to her home state, Akwa Ibom, where she worked as a secretary to the state government and held positions in education and as Secretary to the State Government.
During her tenure as Minister of Women Affairs, Rita focused on critical issues like human trafficking and child labor.
She emphasized Nigeria’s efforts in combating these issues at international forums like the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Despite her accomplishments, Rita Akpan faced challenges. She reportedly fell out of favor with President Obasanjo due to her association with Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State.
Aside from being a politician; she is also a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. She founded and leads the Akpan Group which has been a player in Nigeria’s business sector.
5. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu
Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu is a famous Nigerian politician and urban planner from Kogi State. She was the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from August 21, 2019, until May 29, 2023, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aliyu previously served as the National Women Leader of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2014 to 2018.
Her journey into politics began with her appointment as Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Youth, and Social Development to the chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.
She later moved into party leadership, becoming the Vice National Chairman of ANPP and eventually its National Woman Leader. She also served as the President of the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP).
Ramatu has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ahmadu Bello University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, and an honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Commonwealth University, London.
Aliyu has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and youth development throughout her career, and her leadership roles both within her party and internationally highlight her commitment to political engagement and community development.
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6. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum
Mariam Yalwaji Katagum serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Graduate Certificate in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master in Administration and Planning from the University of Lagos.
Also, she obtained a Certificate in Social Development Policy, Planning, and Practice from the University College, London, in 1999.
Katagum began her career at the National Youth Service and served in different roles, including as Senior Education Officer at the Federal Government College, Azare, and as Director for Special Projects at the National Primary Education Commission.
She has also served as Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO. Katagum has been involved in national and international committees and panels, advocating for education and cultural heritage.
In July 2019, she was nominated as Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, where she focuses on implementing initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to benefit Nigeria.
7. Gbemisola Saraki
Gbemisola Saraki’s leadership and dedication to national development have earned her recognition as one of the top female ministers in Nigeria.
She is a respected Nigerian politician who has had important ministerial positions in the country. Serving as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development from July 6, 2022, to May 29, 2023, she made noteworthy contributions to the development of the mining and steel sector.
Saraki served as the Minister of State for Transportation from August 2019 to July 2022, where she helped in advancing the transportation infrastructure of Nigeria.
Before her ministerial appointments, Saraki had an outstanding political career, having served as a Senator for Kwara Central from 2003 to 2011.
She also represented the Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Kwara State, in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003.
Saraki hails from a political family, being the sister of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the daughter of the late Abubakar Olusola Saraki, a renowned political figure in Kwara State.
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8. Sharon Ikeazor
Sharon Ikeazor is a notable figure in Nigerian politics and public service. Born on August 28, 1961, Ikeazor is a lawyer, politician, and management consultant.
She served as the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate before assuming office as the Minister of State for Environment in August 2019. Ikeazor’s studies at Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Benin, and the Nigerian Law School.
And, she has held various positions in both the public and private sectors, including roles in banking, energy consulting, and legal representation.
She has been actively involved in political activities, serving as the National Women Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Party and later emerging as the Interim National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ikeazor is also known for her philanthropic endeavors, continuing the work of her late father in providing legal aid to underprivileged citizens.
She has founded initiatives like The Wakiliyan Mata Empowerment Initiative, which supports internally displaced women with interest-free loans for small businesses.
In recognition of her contributions, Ikeazor has received several awards, including the Public Service Excellence Award from BusinessDay in 2017.
As Minister of State for Environment, she continues to serve the Nigerian people with dedication and commitment to environmental issues.
9. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian-American economist currently serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. And she’s the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
With an outstanding career spanning over 25 years at the World Bank, Okonjo-Iweala rose to the position of Managing Director of operations, overseeing the Bank’s significant portfolios in Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.
During her tenure as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003–2006, 2011–2015), she drove impactful reforms, including debt negotiation leading to the cancellation of a substantial portion of Nigeria’s debt, and supported transparency in governance through innovative financial management systems.
She also endorsed initiatives empowering women and youth, such as the Youth Enterprise with Innovation Programme, which generated thousands of jobs.
10. Diezani Alison-Madueke
Diezani Alison-Madueke is undeniably one of Nigeria’s prominent female ministers. She was the first female President of OPEC, serving from November 2014 to December 2015.
Also, she was the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Minister of Mines & Steel Development, and Minister of Transportation.
Her time as Minister of Petroleum Resources saw important policy reforms aimed at benefiting all Nigerians, such as the Nigerian Content Act, aimed at empowering indigenous businesses in the petroleum sector.
However, her career has also been marred by allegations of corruption and financial misconduct. She has faced accusations of mismanagement of funds, awarding contracts without due process, and embezzlement, leading to legal actions both in Nigeria and abroad.
Despite her achievements in breaking barriers as a female leader in male-dominated sectors, these allegations have cast a shadow over her legacy. She’s currently facing trial for bribery charges in the UK.
