List of Nigerians
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{{BLP sources|list|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Nigerians}}
This is a list of notable Nigerian people. It includes some but not all notable Nigerians.
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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{{spaced ndash}} 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{{spaced ndash}} Former director general and CEO of NABDA
Politicians
= A–M =
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- Abba Kyari – late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari
- Abdulkadir Kure
- 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
- 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
- Chima Anyaso
- 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
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= N–Z =
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- Namadi Sambo
- Nasir Adhama
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Nnamdi Azikiwe{{spaced ndash}} first President of Nigeria
- Nwafor Orizu{{spaced ndash}} 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{{cite web|url=http://abusidiqu.com/controversial-letter-obasanjo-hold-closed-door-meeting-with-loyalists/|title=Controversial Letter: Obasanjo Hold Closed Door Meeting with Loyalists - Abusidiqu|publisher=abusidiqu.com|accessdate=2014-10-03}}
- 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
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Military
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- 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{{spaced ndash}} 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
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Musicians
{{Main|List of Nigerian musicians}}
Actors
{{Main|List of Nigerian actors}}
Artists
{{Main|List of Nigerian artists|List of Nigerian women artists}}
Media
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- 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 (2017–present) Nigerian journalist and feminist
- Ikechi Uko publisher, Akwaaba African Travel Market, ATQnews.com; author; travel and tourism media consultant
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Educators
- Abubakar Surajo Imam
- Joseph Agbakoba – professor of practical philosophy
- Atinuke Olusola Adebanji – professor of statistics and public
- Claude Ake {{spaced ndash}} professor of political economy
- Cletus Nzebunwa Aguwa{{spaced ndash}} professor of clinical pharmacy
- Dennis Chima Ugwuegbu (born 1942){{spaced ndash}} professor of psychology
- Etannibi Alemika
- Emenike Ejiogu{{spaced ndash}} professor of electrical and electronics engineering
- Jude Rabo{{spaced ndash}} 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){{spaced ndash}} professor of anatomy
Lawyers
Writers
{{Main|List of Nigerian writers}}
{{See also|List of Nigerian poets}}
Business people
{{Main|List of Nigerian entrepreneurs}}
- Mustapha Abdullahi{{spaced ndash}} CEO of Energy Commission of Nigeria
- Alhaji Habu Adamu Jajere{{spaced ndash}} former president of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and winner of the Dr. Kwame Nkurumah African Leadership Award in Ghana.{{cite web|url=http://cowrieflourmills.com/?page_id=126|title=Cowrie Flour Mills|website=cowrieflourmills.com|access-date=2011-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331061247/http://cowrieflourmills.com/?page_id=126|archive-date=2012-03-31|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.nipcoplc.com/Board_of_directors.asp |title=NIPCO Nigerian Plc |access-date=2011-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307071002/http://www.nipcoplc.com/Board_of_directors.asp |archive-date=2011-03-07 |url-status=dead }}
- Aliko Dangote
- Ben Murray-Bruce{{spaced ndash}} politician and Chairman of Silverbird Group
- Segun Ogunsanya{{spaced ndash}} CEO of Airtel Nigeria
- Femi Otedola – Nigerian businessman
- Habeeb Okunola {{spaced ndash}}CEO TILT Group of Companies
- Halima Dangote
- Mary Nzimiro (1898–1993){{spaced ndash}} businesswoman, politician and women's activist
- Obi Asika
- Sowemimo Abiodun{{spaced ndash}} Founder/CEO of CapitalMetriQ Swift Bank
- Taofik Adegbite {{spaced ndash}}CEO Marine Platforms
Religion
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- Wande Abimbola{{spaced ndash}} academician; Ifá priest
- Abubakar Gumi (1924–1992){{spaced ndash}} Islamic scholar
- Enoch Adeboyepastor; general overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God
- Sheikh Abu-Abdullah Adelabu{{spaced ndash}} academician; Muslim scholar; writer; academic; publisher; cleric; founder and first president, AWQAF Africa and AWQAF Africa Muslim Open College (London)
- Anthony Olubunmi Okogie{{spaced ndash}} Roman Catholic Archbishop of Lagos
- Asi Archibong-Arikpo{{spaced ndash}} president of the Presbyterian Women's Guild in Nigeria, 1975–1982
- Benson Idahosa{{spaced ndash}} Charismatic Pentecostal preacher; founder, Church of God Mission International
- Bimbo Odukoya{{spaced ndash}} pastor; televangelist; founder, Fountain of Life Church
- Chris Okotie
- Chris Oyakhilome{{spaced ndash}} televangelist; founding president of Christ Embassy
- Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi{{spaced ndash}} beatified by Pope John Paul II
- David Obadiah Lot{{spaced ndash}} pastor, Church of Christ
- Bishop David Oyedepo{{spaced ndash}} preacher; writer; founder and presiding bishop, Winners' Chapel (also known as Living Faith Church Worldwide); chancellor, Covenant University
- Deborah Omale{{spaced ndash}} pastor, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry
- Dominic Ekandem
- Emmanuel Omale{{spaced ndash}} founder, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry
- Francis Arinze{{spaced ndash}} Catholic cardinal
- John Onaiyekan{{spaced ndash}} Catholic cardinal
- Ibrahim Zakzaky outspoken Shi'a leader
- Joseph Ayo Babalola{{spaced ndash}} founder, Christ Apostolic Church
- Joshua Selman{{spaced ndash}} Apostle, founder, Eternity Network International ENI, Koinonia Global
- Matthew Ashimolowo{{spaced ndash}} senior pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre (London, England)
- Peter Akinola{{spaced ndash}} Anglican emeritus primate, Church of Nigeria
- Samuel Ajayi Crowther
- Sheikh Abubakre Sidiq Bello{{spaced ndash}} founder of Dairat Sidiq Faedot Tijanniyat of Nigeria
- Sheikh Dahiru Usman{{spaced ndash}} Islamic scholar, Dariqat Tijjaniya Movement
- T. B. Joshua{{spaced ndash}} Christian minister; televangelist and faith healer; founder, Synagogue, Church of All Nations; founder, Christian television station Emmanuel TV
- Taiwo Odukoya{{spaced ndash}} senior pastor, The Fountain of Life Church
- William Kumuyi{{spaced ndash}} pastor, televangelist; writer; founder and general superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church
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Sports people
{{Main|List of Nigerian sportspeople}}
Human-rights activists
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- 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
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Bloggers
{{Main|List of Nigerian bloggers}}
International models
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- Agbani Darego{{spaced ndash}} winner, Miss World 2001
- Ibife Alufohai{{spaced ndash}} winner, Miss Valentine International 2010 and founder of Miss Polo International
- Mary Timms{{spaced ndash}} face of Next Generation Entertainment Awards 2017
- Nelson Enwerem{{spaced ndash}} model, television personality and winner of Mr Nigeria 2018
- Oluchi Onweagba{{spaced ndash}} winner, M-Net Face of Africa competition 1998
- Omowunmi Akinnifesi
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Science
{{Main|List of Nigerian scientists and scholars}}
= Engineers =
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- Sulyman Age Abdulkareem{{spaced ndash}} academic and chemical engineer
- Esther Titilayo Akinlabi{{spaced ndash}} professor of mechanical engineering
- Sarki Auwalu{{spaced ndash}} chemical engineer
- Ayodele Awojobi{{spaced ndash}} polymath and mechanical engineer
- Olufemi Bamiro{{spaced ndash}} professor of mechanical engineering
- Philip Emeagwali{{spaced ndash}} 1989 Gordon Bell Prize winner
- Ozak Esu{{spaced ndash}} electrical engineer
- Gordian Ezekwe{{spaced ndash}} mechanical engineer notable for supervising the construction of the Biafran rocket during the Nigerian Civil War
- Akii Ibhadode{{spaced ndash}} mechanical engineer
- Tele Ikuru{{spaced ndash}} mechanical engineer
- Farida Kabir (born 1992) – software developer and entrepreneur
- Ekei Essien Oku – first Nigerian woman chief librarian
- Gbenga Sesan{{spaced ndash}} Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador
- Bamidele Solomon{{spaced ndash}} Chemical engineer prominent in Nigeria's biotechnology industry
- Rhoda Gumus-Professor of Chemical Engineering and National Electoral Commissioner of INEC
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= Mathematicians =
= Medical practitioners =
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- Adeoye Lambo{{spaced ndash}} psychiatrist
- Ameyo Adadevoh{{spaced ndash}} credited with having restricted the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria
- Bennet Omalu{{spaced ndash}} forensic pathologist
- Eyitayo Lambo{{spaced ndash}} health economist and technocrat
- Olufunmilayo Olopade{{spaced ndash}} oncologist
- Olumbe Bassir{{spaced ndash}} biochemist and nutritionist
- Philomena Obiageliuwa Uyanwah – obstetrician and gynecologist
- Uchenna Okoye - cosmetic dentist and media personality
- Ayibatonye Owei – obstetrician and gynecologist
{{div col end}}
= Scientists =
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- Anthony Adegbulugbe – Energy planning and management specialist with notable contributions to Nigeria's energy sector
- Nenibarini Zabbey – environmental scientist and Professor of Hydrobiology
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Aviators
See also
{{portal|Biography|Lists|Nigeria}}