Top 13 Nigerians Who Made Waves Internationally in 2024 - From politics to economics, arts, technology, and entertainment, several Nigerians in 2024 demonstrated the immense potential and influence of Nigerians in shaping a better world. Their achievements have brought pride to the country, driven positive change, and inspired millions globally.
In no particular order, here are the top 13 Nigerians who made waves in 2024 and contributed to global change.
Dr Akinwumi Adesina
Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has kept the Nigerian flag high in the international economic community with his revolutionary policies. He received the inaugural "African of the Decade" award at the 2024 Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco. This prestigious award, introduced by the ABN Group in collaboration with CNBC Africa, honors- individuals who have made a lasting and profound impact on the continent. His decade-long impact on continental development, particularly through the Bank’s High5 strategic priorities, has driven positive change in sustainable development.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerian's pride, remained influential in 2024, advocating for global trade reforms and international economic development. Her leadership and diplomatic skills have garnered international respect and made her one of the most influential Nigerian figures globally. During a special General Council meeting on 29 November 2024, the Director General of the World Trade Organization was reappointed by the General Council for a second four-year term, which will commence on 1 September 2025. In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Tunde Onakoya
In April 2024, a chess master and advocate for chess education named Tunde Onakoya made another glorious Nigerian entry in the annals of the Guinness Book of Records in the heart of the popular Times Square, New York City. For a record 60 hours, under pain, tears and pressure, Tunde challenged and stretched beyond the limits of this game for a noble cause- to raise one million dollars for the education of children across Africa. He raised $126,074.46 for The Gift of Chess, a nonprofit supporting chess education for African children.
Amina Mohammed
Amina made significant contributions to global development and sustainability as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Her work throughout the year underscored her unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting gender equality, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Throughout 2024, Amina Mohammed's efforts reflected her dedication to advancing global development and sustainability. Her advocacy for girls' education and health, focus on achieving the SDGs, and emphasis on public-private partnerships have significantly impacted global efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Aliko Dangote
Dangote experienced extraordinary wealth growth in 2024, with his net worth surging by $2.02 billion in just 17 days and reaching $28 billion later in the year. This boost propelled him back into the top 100 richest people in the world. Last year saw the coming of the Dangote Refinery on stream, which effectively ended the country’s decade of importation of refined petrol products. The new 650,000 barrel-a-day oil refinery in Nigeria owned by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has been widely described as a game changer as it is expected to, in the medium term, boost the country’s forex earning, boost employment and help the country save the huge billions of dollars.
Tony Elumelu
As the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Elumelu has made significant strides that have not only advanced his business interests but also profoundly impacted the lives of countless Africans.
One of the most notable achievements of Tony Elumelu in 2024 was the successful expansion of UBA into France. Elumelu signed a key cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France. This agreement supports UBA’s expansion into France, reinforcing its commitment to providing seamless banking services across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Allen Onyema
Allen Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, marked 10 years of the carrier’s foray into Nigerian airspace. In March 2024, the airline put Nigeria on the map again with its entry into the Lagos-London route and subsequently received approval to operate the Abuja-London route. During a difficult year, his airline’s expansion has undeniably made international air travel cheaper for Nigerians.
Adebayo Ogunlesi
Mr Ogunlesi’s emergence struck Nigerians with pride. In January 2024, BlackRock's acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) marked a significant milestone in Ogunlesi’s career. The $12.5 billion deal not only underscored the value and influence of GIP but also elevated Ogunlesi to billionaire status. Following this acquisition, Ogunlesi's net worth surged by $600 million within a week, bringing his total net worth to $2.3 billion. This increase underscores his prominence as one of the most influential Black investors in the United States.
Davido
Popular Afrobeats giant- Davido continued his philanthropic work, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and give back to his community, including his popular birthday donation to orphanage homes in the country. His commitment to making a positive impact has endeared him to fans and the public alike.
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma was the first Nigerian to secure the first runner-up position at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage. Her journey was marked by controversy and resilience. Her initial participation as a contestant for Miss Universe South Africa 2024 ended amid xenophobic abuse and scrutiny over her nationality, leading to her withdrawal from the competition. These challenges allowed her to represent Nigeria, her paternal country of origin. Adetshina’s announcement, two days after the pageant in Mexico, that she would be retiring from the beauty pageant world and relocating to Nigeria after her one-year reign was also followed by an outpouring of support for her decision.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is one of the most influential names in Africa’s tech ecosystem. He co-founded Andela, a global tech talent accelerator, and Flutterwave, a payments infrastructure provider for global merchants and service providers. His contributions have shaped Africa’s digital economy and made waves in Silicon Valley. Flutterwave has facilitated billions in transactions. Andela has trained thousands of African developers for the global job market, showcasing Nigeria’s intellectual capital.
Fola David
Fola David was another GWR merchant who rose to the limelight in 2024. He showcased his talents as a medical doctor and a visual artist. His ambitious artistic feat and dedication to raising awareness about social issues have earned him widespread recognition and admiration.
Fola David undertook an ambitious project to create the world's largest drawing individual. His "Unity in Diversity" artwork spanned 1,000 meters of canvas. It was aimed to promote peace and understanding among Nigeria's diverse ethnicities. This monumental piece surpassed the previous record held by Indian artist Ravi Soni, who created a drawing of 629.98 square meters. The Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by an individual was officially recognized on November 14, 2024.
Kemi Badenoch
Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch emerged as a formidable force in the global political arena in 2024. Achieving milestones that highlighted her leadership skills and underscored her commitment to truth, ethics, and hard work. One of the most significant achievements was her election as the Leader of the Conservative Party. This marked her as the first Black woman to lead one of the oldest political parties in the world. Badenoch's impact was not limited to the United Kingdom. Her bold stance on various issues, including her comments on Nigeria's political situation, brought her into the global spotlight. Her honesty and willingness to address difficult topics resonated with many, earning her praise and criticism.
Conclusion
This Top 13 Nigerians Who Made Waves Internationally in 2024 is exclusive to my research. I hope the stories of these remarkable individuals serve as a ringing reminder of the Nigerian spirit of determination and excellence. Their journeys inspire us to dream big, work hard, and make our mark on the global stage.
Top 13 Nigerians Who Made Waves Internationally in 2024
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