March 8 International Women’s Day Celebration: A Roll Call of Women Achievers in Nigeria  

By Eteteonline

On March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed to honor women’s struggles for emancipation and equality. UN WOMEN describes the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) as “a day to celebrate every voice raised, every barrier broken, every right claimed by women and girls around the world.” It is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women.

“Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls” is the theme of the 2026 event. To commemorate the day, which falls on Sunday, governments and organizations are planning lavish activities.

From colonial to post-colonial periods, women were crucial to Nigeria’s growth. They participated in the independence struggle despite their small numbers.

In 1960, Wuraola Esan, who represented Western Nigeria, was elected as the first female member of the Federal Parliament. Chief Mrs. Margaret Ekpo ran for office in 1961 to represent Aba Urban North at the regional level. Mrs. Janet N. Mokelu and Miss Ekpo A. Young were the other female members of the Eastern House of Assembly.

Only two women were appointed to the federal cabinet in 1979 in the executive branch of government: Mrs. Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, who was appointed Minister for National Planning, and Mrs. Janet Akinrinade, who was assigned to the position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Mrs. Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel, who served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Establishment and later the Federal Ministry of Health, was the sole female permanent secretary in the Federal Service at the time.

Some well-known women who have made major contributions to the advancement of the country include the following:

• Lady Oyinkansola Abayomi – a nationalist, educationist feminist, one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders, and prominent personality in the history of Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti – a household name when the story of nationalism, political and civil rights activism, empowerment is told.

• Chief Mrs. Margaret Ekpo – a colossus of Nigerian Politics, foremost political leader activist, crusader for social justice, and one of the pioneers of women liberation in Nigeria.

• Hajia Gambo Sawaba – one of the very few female politicians and activists from northern Nigeria.

• Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (Nee Adelena) – wife of the late Obafemi Awolowo

•  Mrs. Oyibo Ekwulo Odinamadu – a foremost educator, educational administrator, icon of politics, civil rights crusader and an activist for the fundamental human rights of women.

• Franca Afegbua – the first woman to be elected into the Nigerian Senate of the Second Republic to represent defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States).

• Senator Louisa Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele was – a distinguished member of the Senate representing Lagos Central in the Third Republic; the only woman who won election in 1992 into the Senate.

• Senator Florence Ita-Giwa – first elected into the House of Representatives in the botched Third Republic. In 1999, she was elected into the Senate to represent Cross River South Senatorial District.

• Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq-Gwadebe – represented the Abuja Federal Capital Territory Constituency from May 1999 to May 2003. She served on various committees in the senate.

• Chief Dr. Senator Grace Folashade Bent – a Nigerian Senator who was elected to represent Adama South Senatorial District in the Senate from May 2007 to May 2011.

• Senator Chief Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello – a Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District from May 2007 to 2011.

• Senator Lady Mrs. Eme Ufot Ekaette – a Senator for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District from May 2007 to May 2011.

• Senator Dr. Joy Ifeyinwa Emodi – a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Anambra North between February 2005 and March 2010. She is the first Igbo woman to be elected a Senator in South Eastern Nigeria.

• Christina Anyanwu – a journalist, publisher, public officer and politician was elected into the Senate in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

• Senator Gbemisola Ruqayya Saraki – a two-term Senator in the National Assembly, who represented Kwara State Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

• Senator Oluremi Tinubu – represented Lagos Central in the Senate and current First Lady of Nigeria.

• Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki – Nasarawa

• Senator Eme Ufot Ekaette – Akwa Ibom

• Senator Nkechi Justina Nwaogu – Abia Central

• Senator Helen Udoakaha Esuene – Akwa Ibom South

• Senator Margery Chibogu Chuba-Okadogbo – Anambra North

• Senator Nenadi Esther Usman – Kaduna South

• Senator Zaynab Abdulkadir Kure – Niger South

• Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan – Taraba North

• Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh – the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives from 6^th June 2007 to 30^th October, 2007.

• Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande – the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, the first female House Leader.

• Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba – the first female Governor in Nigeria from November 2006 to February 2007. She was the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and became the Chief Executive of the State when the Governor, Mr. peter Obi, was impeached.

• Alhaja Latifat Okunu, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 1990 – 93

• Pamela Sadauki, Deputy Governor Kaduna State, 1990 – 93

• Cecilia Ekpenyong, Deputy Governor Cross River State, 1990 – 93

• Louisa Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 1999 – 2003 Erelu Olusola Obada, Deputy Governor Osun State, 2003 – 05

• Chief Abiodun Christine Olujimi, Deputy Governor Ekiti State, 2005 -2006

• Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 2007

• Ada Okwuonu, Deputy Governor Imo State, 2007

• Chief Stella Odife, Deputy Governor Anambra State, 2007

• Valerie Ebe, Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State, 2012

• Hadiza Balarabe Sabuwa, Deputy Governor Kaduna State, 2019, 2023

• Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State, 2023

• Josephine Piyo, Deputy Governor Plateau State, 2023

• Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor Rivers State, 2023

• Noimot Salako Oyedele, Deputy Governor Ogu State, 2023

• Patricia Obila, Deputy Governor Ebonyi State, 2023

• Margaret Icheen – first female Speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria, Benue State, 1999 – 2002.

• Niue Omoworare-Agunbaide, Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly

• Mutiat Adetoun Adediran, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, 2002 – 03

• Eucharia Anazodo, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, 2003 – 2004

• Titi Shodunke Oseni, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, 2003 – 08

• Adenike Ebun Oyagbola – Minister of National Planning 1979 – 1983

• Janet Akinrinade – Minister of State of Internal Affairs from 1979 – 1983

• Bola Kuforiji-Olubi – Minister of Trade 1993

• Emily Aig-Imoukhuede – Member of Babagida’s Transitional Council in charge of States and Local Government 1993.

• Laraba Dagash – Member of Babangida’s Transitional Council

• Minister of State for Health, 1993.

• Mobolaji Osomo – Federal Minister in charge of Pension under    Sani Abacha regime; Minister of Housing and Urban Development 2003 – 2005

• Miriam Ikejiani-Clark – Former Minister of State for FCT under Sani Abacha administration.  1995 – 1997.

• Senator Iyabo Anisulowo – Former Minister of Education and stalwart of the PDP in Ogun State; Minister of State of Education in 1997

• Hajo Sani – Former Minister of Women Affairs from 1997 – 1998

• Rose Adunike – Minister of State of Education 1997 – 1998

• Adebisi O. Oguneye – Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory 1998 – 1999

• Kema Chikwe – Minister of Transport, 1999 – 2000;Minister of   Aviation, 2000 – 2003

• Dupe Adelaja – Minister of State of Defence 1999 – 2001

• Minister of State of Defence for the Navy 2001 – 2002; Minister of Solid Minerals 2002 – 2003

• Bekky Ketebuigwe – Minister of State of Solid Minerals 1999 – 2000; Minister of Women Affairs 2000 – 2001

• Pauline Tallen – Minister of State of Science and Technology 1999 – 2003

• Aishat Ishmail – Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development 1999- 2000

• Amina Ndalolo – Minister of State of Health 2000 – 2003

• Boma Bromillow Jack – Minister of Culture and Tourism 2001 – 2003

• Precious Ngelale – Minister of State of Water Resources 2002 – 2003

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Minister of Finance and Head of Economic Reform Team 2003 – 2006; Minister of Foreign Affairs 2006; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy 2011; currently the WTO Director-General.

• Rita Akpan – Minister of Women Affairs 2003 – 2005

• Nenadi Esther Usman – Minister of State of Finance 2003 – 2006; Minister of Finance 2006 – 2007

• Obiageli Catherine Ezekwesili – Minister of Solid Minerals 2005 – 2006; Minister of Education 2006 – 2007

• Chinwe Nora Obaji – Minister of Education 2005 – 2006

• Maryam Ciroma – Minister of State of Education 2005 – 2006;

• Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development 2006 – 2007

• Halima Tayo Alao – Minister of State of Health 200 5- 2007;

• Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development 2007 – 2008

• Helen Udoakaha Esuene – Minister of State for Health 2005 – 2006; Minister of Environment 2006 – 2007

• Grace Ogwuche – Minister of State for Environment 2005 – 2006; Minister of Inter-governmental Affairs, Special Duties and Youth Development 2006 – 2007

• Salome Jakanda – Minister of State for Water Resources 2006 – 2007

• Joy Ogwu – Minister of Foreign Affairs 2006 – 2007

• Grace Ekpiwhre – Minister of Science and Technology 2007 – 2008; Acting Minister of Women Affairs 2008; Minister for State for Works and Housing 2008 – 2010

• Diezani K. Alison-Madueke – Minister of Transportation 2007 – 2008; Minister of Mine and Steel Development 2008 – 2010; Minister of Petroleum Resources 2010

• Sadatu Usman Bungudu – Minister of Women Affairs 2007 – 2008

• Adenike Grange – Minister of Health 2007 – 2008

• Fidelia Akuabata Njeze – Minister of State for Defence  2007 – 2008; Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources 2008 – 2009; Minister of State of Works 2009 – 2010; Minister of Aviation 2010 – 2011

• Fatimah Balaraba Ibrahim – Minister of State  in Charge of Power 2007 – 2008

• Aishatu Jibril Dukku – Minister of State for Education 2007 – 2010

• Dora Akunyili – Minister of Information and Communication 2008 – 2011

• S. H. Sulaiman – Minister of Women Affairs 2008 – 2010

• Ruqayyatu A. Rufai – Minister of Education 2010 – 2013

• Josephine Anenih – Minister of Women Affairs 2010 – 2011

• Josephine Tapgun – Minister of State for Commerce and Industry 2010 – 2011

• Zainab Maina – Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development 2011

• Stella Oduah – Minister of Aviation 2011 – 2014

• Viola Onwuliri – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 2011; Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs 2003

• Olajumoke Akinjide – Minister of State of the FCT 2011

• Olusola Obada – Minister of State for Defence 2011 – 2013

• Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Minister of State for Power 2011 – 2013

• Ama Pepple – Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development 2011 – 2013

• Sarah Reng Ochekpe – Minister of Water Resources 2011

• Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafa – Minister of Environment 2011 – 2013

• Omobola Johnson – Minister of Communication Technology 2011

• Akon Eyakenyi – Minister of Lands and Housing 2012

• Laurentia Laraba Mallam – Minister of Environment 2012

• Asabe Asmau Ahmed – Minister of State for Agriculture 2012

• Mrs. Sarah Jubril – left her marks and indelible footprints on the political landscape of this country. The only woman who has dared to aspire to the highest political office in Nigeria,

• Reverend Mrs. Grace Ekanem – a feminist and women’s rights activist. Former Cross River State chapter president of the National Council Women’s Societies.

• Mrs. Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo – the first female permanent secretary in Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel – the first female administrative officer of the Federal Civil Service in 1959 and rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in 1975.

• Engr. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke – the first female Head of Service of the Federation, first female engineer to be appointed Federal Permanent Secretary, and the first female civil engineer in Nigeria.

• Mrs. Ifueko Marina Omoigui-Okauru – the first female Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

• Mrs. Bosede Folake Oyelowo – the first female Auditor-General of the Federation.

• Deaconess Mrs. Joan Olatoyosi Ayo – former Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

• Mrs. Dupe Catherine Atoki – Director-General of Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

• Dr. Mrs. G. N. Elemo – former Director-General/CEO Federal Institute of Industrial Research, (FIIRO) Oshodi.

• Engr. Adeseyi Sijuwade – former Managing Director/CEO Nigeria Railway Corporation.

• Deaconess Mrs. Joan Olatoyosi Ayo – former Chairman of  Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

• Mrs. Sally Mbanefo – former Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

• Dr. (Mrs.) N. S. Benebo – former Director General National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

• Mrs. Sharon Adefunke Kasali – former Executive Secretary ofPetroleum Equalization Fund (Management) Board.

• Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba – former Executive Secretary, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP).

• Capt. Chinyere Kalu – the first Nigerian woman to fly an aircraft and former CEO of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.  

• Arunma Oteh – former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Major General (Dr.) Mrs. Aderonke Kale – the first Nigerian woman to attain the rank of Major General (two-star general) in the Army in particular and the Nigerian Armed Forces in general.

• Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu – the first female Nigerian Navy two-star general and the second female in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

• Major General Abimbola Amosun – the second woman to become a two-star general in the Nigerian Army.

• Air Commodore Habiba Garba – the first female Air Commodore in the Nigeria Air Force.

• Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ivy Uche Okoronkwo – the first female to head a police command in Nigeria.

• Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Abang-Wushishi – attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and former Acting Chairman of the ICPC by President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2011.

• Chief Mrs. Farida Mzamber Waziri – attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. She was appointed chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She is the first and only Nigerian Woman to occupy that office.

• Captain Terkumbur Josephine Ancha – the first female Paratrooper in West Africa.                        

• Blessing Liman – the first Nigerian female fighter pilot who has been commissioned in the Nigeria Air Force.

• Captain Josephine Okwuekelefe Tolefe – the first female Commissioned Officer and the first female to attain the rank of captain in the Nigerian Army.

• Lady (Mrs.) Uzoamaka Nwizu – the first female Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

• Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma – rose to the zenith of her career when she was appointed Comptroller General of immigration in 2010. This made her the second woman in Nigeria to occupy the coveted office.

• Professor Grace Alele Williams – an acclaimed scholar, she earned her place in history as the first woman to be appointed Vice Chancellor of a Nigerian University in 1985. This was the University of Benin.

• Professor Jadesola Akande Olayinka Debo Akande – served as the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Ojo; Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan; and Regional Vice President, International Federation of Women lawyers.

• Nwazuluwa Onuekwuke Sofola – the first published female Nigerian playwright, author and dramatist, and first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Africa

• Mrs. Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie – one of Nigeria’s most prolific prominent novelists.

• Professor Joy Uche Angela Ogwu – a celebrated diplomat and stateswoman, a national icon and first female Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of international affairs (NIIA) 2001 – 2006.

• Professor Adenike Grange – the first female Minister of Health. A world-renowned paediatrician and consultant.

• Yewande Cole – the first and only female flight engineer in Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita is one of Nigeria’s pioneer female journalists, a historic figure in Nigerian journalism and one who represented great values in the profession.

• Dr. (Mrs.) Doyinsola Abiola – a prominent journalist and charismatic administrator, she was the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Concord Press of Nigeria.

• Mrs. Stella Bassey – a seasoned broadcaster, and one of Nigeria’s first generation female broadcasters.

• Chioma Ajunwa – she remains the first and only Nigerian to win individual Olympic gold medal.

• Mary Onyali-Omagbemi – another sportswoman who has brought fame, glory and honour to Nigeria. She won the bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and in 200 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.

• Agbani Darego won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in 2001. She made history by winning the Miss World 2001 crown, and making it to the top 10 finalist in the 2001 Miss Universe pageant.

• Hadiza Ladi Kwali – renowned potter used traditional methods and techniques to make a variety of products such as pots for storing water, cooking pots, dishes, bowls and beakers.

• Elder High Chief Lady Constance Afiong Ekong – Nigeria’s pioneer indigenous female visual artist, sculptor, arts collector and entrepreneur.

• Chief Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye – a leading balik designer, adjudged the best in West Africa, sub-region.

• Chief Olufolake Solanke – first female lawyer to be conferred with SAN

• Dame Mrs. Priscilla Olabori Aderonke Kuye – an acclaimed lawyer and doyen of the legal profession in Nigeria. She is the first and only female national President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

• Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar – a renowned jurist, a woman of history and a trailblazer, who she made history as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

• Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa –  the former President of the Court Appeal.

• Justice Roselyn Ukeje – the first female Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

• Mrs. Patience Ozokwor – a multi-talented Nollywood actress.

• Onyeka Onwenu – a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

• Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe – a veteran of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

• Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija – a business tycoon is also a philanthropist, has been a popular name in Nigeria, a name often associated with excellence and achievements.

• Hajia Bola Shagaya – one of Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurs. She has enormous investment in oil, banking, communications and real estate.

• Mrs. Nkechi Obi – an industrialist, a seasoned entrepreneur, management guru, economist and a strategist and the Executive Vice Chairman of Techno Oil Limited.

• Chief Mrs. Bisoye Esther Tejuosho – a successful businesswoman, prominent industrialist and the Iyalode of Egbaland.

• Mrs. Stella Chinelu Okoli – a famous industrialist of profound standing. A woman of initiative and vision, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited.

• Chief Dr. Mrs. Onikepo Akande – Minister of Industries under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

• Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Olakunrin – the first female Chartered Accountant in Africa and the past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

• Otunba Ayora Bola Kuforiji-Olubi – the first woman to occupy the prestigious position of President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

• Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili – a chartered accountant, dynamic stateswoman, and co-founder and one of the Directors of Transparency International. Minister of Solid Minerals and later Education, head of the Due Process Unit and member of the Economic Team of the Obasanjo administration.

• Chief Mrs. Catherine Kehinde George – and the first female Nigerian and African professional town planner

• Mrs. Wahir Ayuba Mshella – the first female Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the first female Chartered Accountant from Northern Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Cecilia Ibru – made her mark in the banking industry as the first female bank Chief Executive in Nigeria.

• Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke – a foremost personality in the capital market in Nigeria for over a decade.

• Arunma Oteh – former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria.

• Mrs Flora Azikiwe – former First Lady of Nigeria

• MrsVictoria Aguiyi-Ironsi – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Victoria Gowon – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Ajoke Mohammed – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Maryam Babangida – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Margaret Shonekan – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Maryam Abacha – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Justice (Mrs) Fati Lami Abubakar – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Stella Obasanjo – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Hajia Turai Yar’Adua – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Dame (Dr) Patience Jonathan – former First Lady of Nigeria

..

• Hajia Aisha Buhari – former First Lady of Nigeria

This list is not exhaustive and will be updated from time to time.By Eteteonline

On March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed to honor women’s struggles for emancipation and equality. UN WOMEN describes the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) as “a day to celebrate every voice raised, every barrier broken, every right claimed by women and girls around the world.” It is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women.

“Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls” is the theme of the 2026 event. To commemorate the day, which falls on Sunday, governments and organizations are planning lavish activities.

From colonial to post-colonial periods, women were crucial to Nigeria’s growth. They participated in the independence struggle despite their small numbers.

In 1960, Wuraola Esan, who represented Western Nigeria, was elected as the first female member of the Federal Parliament. Chief Mrs. Margaret Ekpo ran for office in 1961 to represent Aba Urban North at the regional level. Mrs. Janet N. Mokelu and Miss Ekpo A. Young were the other female members of the Eastern House of Assembly.

Only two women were appointed to the federal cabinet in 1979 in the executive branch of government: Mrs. Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, who was appointed Minister for National Planning, and Mrs. Janet Akinrinade, who was assigned to the position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Mrs. Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel, who served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Establishment and later the Federal Ministry of Health, was the sole female permanent secretary in the Federal Service at the time.

Some well-known women who have made major contributions to the advancement of the country include the following:

• Lady Oyinkansola Abayomi – a nationalist, educationist feminist, one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders, and prominent personality in the history of Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti – a household name when the story of nationalism, political and civil rights activism, empowerment is told.

• Chief Mrs. Margaret Ekpo – a colossus of Nigerian Politics, foremost political leader activist, crusader for social justice, and one of the pioneers of women liberation in Nigeria.

• Hajia Gambo Sawaba – one of the very few female politicians and activists from northern Nigeria.

• Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (Nee Adelena) – wife of the late Obafemi Awolowo

•  Mrs. Oyibo Ekwulo Odinamadu – a foremost educator, educational administrator, icon of politics, civil rights crusader and an activist for the fundamental human rights of women.

• Franca Afegbua – the first woman to be elected into the Nigerian Senate of the Second Republic to represent defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States).

• Senator Louisa Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele was – a distinguished member of the Senate representing Lagos Central in the Third Republic; the only woman who won election in 1992 into the Senate.

• Senator Florence Ita-Giwa – first elected into the House of Representatives in the botched Third Republic. In 1999, she was elected into the Senate to represent Cross River South Senatorial District.

• Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq-Gwadebe – represented the Abuja Federal Capital Territory Constituency from May 1999 to May 2003. She served on various committees in the senate.

• Chief Dr. Senator Grace Folashade Bent – a Nigerian Senator who was elected to represent Adama South Senatorial District in the Senate from May 2007 to May 2011.

• Senator Chief Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello – a Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District from May 2007 to 2011.

• Senator Lady Mrs. Eme Ufot Ekaette – a Senator for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District from May 2007 to May 2011.

• Senator Dr. Joy Ifeyinwa Emodi – a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Anambra North between February 2005 and March 2010. She is the first Igbo woman to be elected a Senator in South Eastern Nigeria.

• Christina Anyanwu – a journalist, publisher, public officer and politician was elected into the Senate in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

• Senator Gbemisola Ruqayya Saraki – a two-term Senator in the National Assembly, who represented Kwara State Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

• Senator Oluremi Tinubu – represented Lagos Central in the Senate and current First Lady of Nigeria.

• Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki – Nasarawa

• Senator Eme Ufot Ekaette – Akwa Ibom

• Senator Nkechi Justina Nwaogu – Abia Central

• Senator Helen Udoakaha Esuene – Akwa Ibom South

• Senator Margery Chibogu Chuba-Okadogbo – Anambra North

• Senator Nenadi Esther Usman – Kaduna South

• Senator Zaynab Abdulkadir Kure – Niger South

• Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan – Taraba North

• Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh – the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives from 6^th June 2007 to 30^th October, 2007.

• Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande – the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, the first female House Leader.

• Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba – the first female Governor in Nigeria from November 2006 to February 2007. She was the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and became the Chief Executive of the State when the Governor, Mr. peter Obi, was impeached.

• Alhaja Latifat Okunu, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 1990 – 93

• Pamela Sadauki, Deputy Governor Kaduna State, 1990 – 93

• Cecilia Ekpenyong, Deputy Governor Cross River State, 1990 – 93

• Louisa Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 1999 – 2003 Erelu Olusola Obada, Deputy Governor Osun State, 2003 – 05

• Chief Abiodun Christine Olujimi, Deputy Governor Ekiti State, 2005 -2006

• Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Deputy Governor Lagos State, 2007

• Ada Okwuonu, Deputy Governor Imo State, 2007

• Chief Stella Odife, Deputy Governor Anambra State, 2007

• Valerie Ebe, Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State, 2012

• Hadiza Balarabe Sabuwa, Deputy Governor Kaduna State, 2019, 2023

• Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State, 2023

• Josephine Piyo, Deputy Governor Plateau State, 2023

• Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor Rivers State, 2023

• Noimot Salako Oyedele, Deputy Governor Ogu State, 2023

• Patricia Obila, Deputy Governor Ebonyi State, 2023

• Margaret Icheen – first female Speaker of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria, Benue State, 1999 – 2002.

• Niue Omoworare-Agunbaide, Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly

• Mutiat Adetoun Adediran, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, 2002 – 03

• Eucharia Anazodo, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, 2003 – 2004

• Titi Shodunke Oseni, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, 2003 – 08

• Adenike Ebun Oyagbola – Minister of National Planning 1979 – 1983

• Janet Akinrinade – Minister of State of Internal Affairs from 1979 – 1983

• Bola Kuforiji-Olubi – Minister of Trade 1993

• Emily Aig-Imoukhuede – Member of Babagida’s Transitional Council in charge of States and Local Government 1993.

• Laraba Dagash – Member of Babangida’s Transitional Council

• Minister of State for Health, 1993.

• Mobolaji Osomo – Federal Minister in charge of Pension under    Sani Abacha regime; Minister of Housing and Urban Development 2003 – 2005

• Miriam Ikejiani-Clark – Former Minister of State for FCT under Sani Abacha administration.  1995 – 1997.

• Senator Iyabo Anisulowo – Former Minister of Education and stalwart of the PDP in Ogun State; Minister of State of Education in 1997

• Hajo Sani – Former Minister of Women Affairs from 1997 – 1998

• Rose Adunike – Minister of State of Education 1997 – 1998

• Adebisi O. Oguneye – Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory 1998 – 1999

• Kema Chikwe – Minister of Transport, 1999 – 2000;Minister of   Aviation, 2000 – 2003

• Dupe Adelaja – Minister of State of Defence 1999 – 2001

• Minister of State of Defence for the Navy 2001 – 2002; Minister of Solid Minerals 2002 – 2003

• Bekky Ketebuigwe – Minister of State of Solid Minerals 1999 – 2000; Minister of Women Affairs 2000 – 2001

• Pauline Tallen – Minister of State of Science and Technology 1999 – 2003

• Aishat Ishmail – Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development 1999- 2000

• Amina Ndalolo – Minister of State of Health 2000 – 2003

• Boma Bromillow Jack – Minister of Culture and Tourism 2001 – 2003

• Precious Ngelale – Minister of State of Water Resources 2002 – 2003

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Minister of Finance and Head of Economic Reform Team 2003 – 2006; Minister of Foreign Affairs 2006; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy 2011; currently the WTO Director-General.

• Rita Akpan – Minister of Women Affairs 2003 – 2005

• Nenadi Esther Usman – Minister of State of Finance 2003 – 2006; Minister of Finance 2006 – 2007

• Obiageli Catherine Ezekwesili – Minister of Solid Minerals 2005 – 2006; Minister of Education 2006 – 2007

• Chinwe Nora Obaji – Minister of Education 2005 – 2006

• Maryam Ciroma – Minister of State of Education 2005 – 2006;

• Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development 2006 – 2007

• Halima Tayo Alao – Minister of State of Health 200 5- 2007;

• Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development 2007 – 2008

• Helen Udoakaha Esuene – Minister of State for Health 2005 – 2006; Minister of Environment 2006 – 2007

• Grace Ogwuche – Minister of State for Environment 2005 – 2006; Minister of Inter-governmental Affairs, Special Duties and Youth Development 2006 – 2007

• Salome Jakanda – Minister of State for Water Resources 2006 – 2007

• Joy Ogwu – Minister of Foreign Affairs 2006 – 2007

• Grace Ekpiwhre – Minister of Science and Technology 2007 – 2008; Acting Minister of Women Affairs 2008; Minister for State for Works and Housing 2008 – 2010

• Diezani K. Alison-Madueke – Minister of Transportation 2007 – 2008; Minister of Mine and Steel Development 2008 – 2010; Minister of Petroleum Resources 2010

• Sadatu Usman Bungudu – Minister of Women Affairs 2007 – 2008

• Adenike Grange – Minister of Health 2007 – 2008

• Fidelia Akuabata Njeze – Minister of State for Defence  2007 – 2008; Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources 2008 – 2009; Minister of State of Works 2009 – 2010; Minister of Aviation 2010 – 2011

• Fatimah Balaraba Ibrahim – Minister of State  in Charge of Power 2007 – 2008

• Aishatu Jibril Dukku – Minister of State for Education 2007 – 2010

• Dora Akunyili – Minister of Information and Communication 2008 – 2011

• S. H. Sulaiman – Minister of Women Affairs 2008 – 2010

• Ruqayyatu A. Rufai – Minister of Education 2010 – 2013

• Josephine Anenih – Minister of Women Affairs 2010 – 2011

• Josephine Tapgun – Minister of State for Commerce and Industry 2010 – 2011

• Zainab Maina – Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development 2011

• Stella Oduah – Minister of Aviation 2011 – 2014

• Viola Onwuliri – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 2011; Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs 2003

• Olajumoke Akinjide – Minister of State of the FCT 2011

• Olusola Obada – Minister of State for Defence 2011 – 2013

• Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Minister of State for Power 2011 – 2013

• Ama Pepple – Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development 2011 – 2013

• Sarah Reng Ochekpe – Minister of Water Resources 2011

• Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafa – Minister of Environment 2011 – 2013

• Omobola Johnson – Minister of Communication Technology 2011

• Akon Eyakenyi – Minister of Lands and Housing 2012

• Laurentia Laraba Mallam – Minister of Environment 2012

• Asabe Asmau Ahmed – Minister of State for Agriculture 2012

• Mrs. Sarah Jubril – left her marks and indelible footprints on the political landscape of this country. The only woman who has dared to aspire to the highest political office in Nigeria,

• Reverend Mrs. Grace Ekanem – a feminist and women’s rights activist. Former Cross River State chapter president of the National Council Women’s Societies.

• Mrs. Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo – the first female permanent secretary in Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel – the first female administrative officer of the Federal Civil Service in 1959 and rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in 1975.

• Engr. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke – the first female Head of Service of the Federation, first female engineer to be appointed Federal Permanent Secretary, and the first female civil engineer in Nigeria.

• Mrs. Ifueko Marina Omoigui-Okauru – the first female Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

• Mrs. Bosede Folake Oyelowo – the first female Auditor-General of the Federation.

• Deaconess Mrs. Joan Olatoyosi Ayo – former Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

• Mrs. Dupe Catherine Atoki – Director-General of Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

• Dr. Mrs. G. N. Elemo – former Director-General/CEO Federal Institute of Industrial Research, (FIIRO) Oshodi.

• Engr. Adeseyi Sijuwade – former Managing Director/CEO Nigeria Railway Corporation.

• Deaconess Mrs. Joan Olatoyosi Ayo – former Chairman of  Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

• Mrs. Sally Mbanefo – former Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

• Dr. (Mrs.) N. S. Benebo – former Director General National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

• Mrs. Sharon Adefunke Kasali – former Executive Secretary ofPetroleum Equalization Fund (Management) Board.

• Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba – former Executive Secretary, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP).

• Capt. Chinyere Kalu – the first Nigerian woman to fly an aircraft and former CEO of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.  

• Arunma Oteh – former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Major General (Dr.) Mrs. Aderonke Kale – the first Nigerian woman to attain the rank of Major General (two-star general) in the Army in particular and the Nigerian Armed Forces in general.

• Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu – the first female Nigerian Navy two-star general and the second female in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

• Major General Abimbola Amosun – the second woman to become a two-star general in the Nigerian Army.

• Air Commodore Habiba Garba – the first female Air Commodore in the Nigeria Air Force.

• Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ivy Uche Okoronkwo – the first female to head a police command in Nigeria.

• Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Abang-Wushishi – attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and former Acting Chairman of the ICPC by President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2011.

• Chief Mrs. Farida Mzamber Waziri – attained the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. She was appointed chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She is the first and only Nigerian Woman to occupy that office.

• Captain Terkumbur Josephine Ancha – the first female Paratrooper in West Africa.                        

• Blessing Liman – the first Nigerian female fighter pilot who has been commissioned in the Nigeria Air Force.

• Captain Josephine Okwuekelefe Tolefe – the first female Commissioned Officer and the first female to attain the rank of captain in the Nigerian Army.

• Lady (Mrs.) Uzoamaka Nwizu – the first female Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

• Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma – rose to the zenith of her career when she was appointed Comptroller General of immigration in 2010. This made her the second woman in Nigeria to occupy the coveted office.

• Professor Grace Alele Williams – an acclaimed scholar, she earned her place in history as the first woman to be appointed Vice Chancellor of a Nigerian University in 1985. This was the University of Benin.

• Professor Jadesola Akande Olayinka Debo Akande – served as the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Ojo; Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan; and Regional Vice President, International Federation of Women lawyers.

• Nwazuluwa Onuekwuke Sofola – the first published female Nigerian playwright, author and dramatist, and first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Africa

• Mrs. Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie – one of Nigeria’s most prolific prominent novelists.

• Professor Joy Uche Angela Ogwu – a celebrated diplomat and stateswoman, a national icon and first female Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of international affairs (NIIA) 2001 – 2006.

• Professor Adenike Grange – the first female Minister of Health; a world-renowned paediatrician and consultant.

• Yewande Cole – the first and only female flight engineer in Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Beatrice Bassey Ita is one of Nigeria’s pioneer female journalists, a historic figure in Nigerian journalism and one who represented great values in the profession.

• Dr. (Mrs.) Doyinsola Abiola – a prominent journalist and charismatic administrator, she was the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Concord Press of Nigeria.

• Mrs. Stella Bassey – a seasoned broadcaster, and one of Nigeria’s first generation female broadcasters.

• Chioma Ajunwa – she remains the first and only Nigerian to win individual Olympic gold medal.

• Mary Onyali-Omagbemi – another sportswoman who has brought fame, glory and honour to Nigeria. She won the bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and in 200 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.

• Agbani Darego won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in 2001. She made history by winning the Miss World 2001 crown, and making it to the top 10 finalist in the 2001 Miss Universe pageant.

• Hadiza Ladi Kwali – renowned potter used traditional methods and techniques to make a variety of products such as pots for storing water, cooking pots, dishes, bowls and beakers.

• Elder High Chief Lady Constance Afiong Ekong – Nigeria’s pioneer indigenous female visual artist, sculptor, arts collector and entrepreneur.

• Chief Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye – a leading balik designer, adjudged the best in West Africa, sub-region.

• Chief Olufolake Solanke – first female lawyer to be conferred with SAN

• Dame Mrs. Priscilla Olabori Aderonke Kuye – an acclaimed lawyer and doyen of the legal profession in Nigeria. She is the first and only female national President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

• Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar – a renowned jurist, a woman of history and a trailblazer, who she made history as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

• Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa –  the former President of the Court Appeal.

• Justice Roselyn Ukeje – the first female Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

• Mrs. Patience Ozokwor – a multi-talented Nollywood actress.

• Onyeka Onwenu – a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

• Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe – a veteran of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

• Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija – a business tycoon is also a philanthropist, has been a popular name in Nigeria, a name often associated with excellence and achievements.

• Hajia Bola Shagaya – one of Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurs. She has enormous investment in oil, banking, communications and real estate.

• Mrs. Nkechi Obi – an industrialist, a seasoned entrepreneur, management guru, economist and a strategist and the Executive Vice Chairman of Techno Oil Limited.

• Chief Mrs. Bisoye Esther Tejuosho – a successful businesswoman, prominent industrialist and the Iyalode of Egbaland.

• Mrs. Stella Chinelu Okoli – a famous industrialist of profound standing. A woman of initiative and vision, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited.

• Chief Dr. Mrs. Onikepo Akande – Minister of Industries under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

• Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Olakunrin – the first female Chartered Accountant in Africa and the past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

• Otunba Ayora Bola Kuforiji-Olubi – the first woman to occupy the prestigious position of President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

• Dr. Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili – a chartered accountant, dynamic stateswoman, and co-founder and one of the Directors of Transparency International. Minister of Solid Minerals and later Education, head of the Due Process Unit and member of the Economic Team of the Obasanjo administration.

• Chief Mrs. Catherine Kehinde George – and the first female Nigerian and African professional town planner

• Mrs. Wahir Ayuba Mshella – the first female Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the first female Chartered Accountant from Northern Nigeria.

• Chief Mrs. Cecilia Ibru – made her mark in the banking industry as the first female bank Chief Executive in Nigeria.

• Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke – a foremost personality in the capital market in Nigeria for over a decade.

• Arunma Oteh – former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria.

• Mrs Flora Azikiwe – former First Lady of Nigeria

• MrsVictoria Aguiyi-Ironsi – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Victoria Gowon – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Ajoke Mohammed – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Maryam Babangida – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Margaret Shonekan – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Maryam Abacha – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Justice (Mrs) Fati Lami Abubakar – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Mrs Stella Obasanjo – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Hajia Turai Yar’Adua – former First Lady of Nigeria

• Dame (Dr) Patience Jonathan – former First Lady of Nigeria
• Hajia Aisha Buhari – former First Lady of Nigeria

This list is not exhaustive and will be updated from time to time.