24 Persons That Shaped Nigeria in 2024

Ferdinand Ekechukwu, Peter Uzoho, in Lagos and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

As 2024, a year that saw Nigerians groaning under the weight of aggressive reforms initiated by the federal government the previous year gradually comes to an end, THISDAY highlights some personalities that shaped the outgoing year. The outgoing year which has been momentous and challenging, especially on the socioeconomic landscape, was marked by heightened hunger, poverty, inflation, and macroeconomic weakness, among others, which saw pockets of social and industrial unrests.  Despite the challenges, the country saw some individuals move the needle in different sectors of the economy, ranging from business, entertainment, politics, among others and their contributions helped in shaping 2024. Their diverse backgrounds and achievements highlight the vibrant tapestry of talent and innovation within the nation.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu who initiated the twin reforms of fuel subsidy and elimination of the country’s multiple exchange rate in 2023, used every opportunity he had in 2024 to explain to Nigerians the benefits of his policies. He kept on assuring the public that the inconveniences occasioned by the reforms were temporary and that the citizens would reap the benefits in the years ahead. Also, the President intensified his foreign trips in his bid to woo foreign investors. He also rejigged his cabinet during the year in a bid to enhance public service delivery.

Aliko Dangote
The outgoing year saw the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery, which effectively ended the country’s decade of the 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.

Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi
Following a remarkable year, Nigerian singer/songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, made history as she bagged three nominations in the 67th Grammy Awards taking place early next year. The nominations, announced in November, came on the heels of her first musical tour in support of her debut studio album. Tems leading the pack of Nigerian artistes with her three nominations joins the year’s top nominees list. Tems was nominated for Best Global Music Album for her debut studio album “Born in the Wild,” Best Global Music Performance for her hit single “Love Me Jeje,” and Best African Music Performance.

Victor Osimhen
“Osimhen’s Goals Turn Turkish Giants to Europe’s Invincibles.” That apt caption tells how far the Nigerian international striker, Victor Osimhen has emerged as the unstoppable victor, living up to his name by refusing to let his new team, Galatasaray, taste defeat since joining the team this year. Currently the joint-second all-time highest goal-scorer of the Nigeria national team, a feat recorded this year, his impact transcends mere goal-scoring; the 25-year-old striker has become the catalyst for repeatedly rescuing points and turning potential defeats into victories both at club and national levels this year.

Ademola Lukman
Ademola Lookman ranked 14th on the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or list, confirmed his elite status in world football. The Nigerian winger grabbed global headlines last May when he scored a stunning hat-trick to help his Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, clinch the 2024 UEFA Europa League cup. It was the first domestic or continental trophy the club has won in 61 years. No player had previously scored a trio of goals in the final of the competition.

Olawale Edun
Olawale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is tasked with the monumental challenge of revitalising the nation’s economy amidst global challenges and uncertainties. His unwavering commitment to reform was evident in the outgoing year as he gradually lays the groundwork for transformative changes by driving broad-ranging fiscal reforms. These are geared towards improved fiscal governance, revenue transformation, and economic growth.

Olayemi Cardoso
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso in 2024 faced the daunting task of steering the nation’s monetary policy amidst a challenging economic landscape. Undoubtedly, his first year has been marked by some achievements and challenges that have tested his leadership and the institution’s resilience. Some of these challenges include a forex liquidity crisis exacerbated by limited dollar inflows, a volatile naira exchange rate and the scarcity of the nation’s currency.

Siminalayi Fubara
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara’s attempt to maintain the political control of Rivers State in 2024 pitched him against his godfather, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Fubura, who is determined to assert control over his government and the party structure that brought him into office, is proving he was well-schooled in the shenanigans of Nigerian political office holders. The local government election held this year is one major highlight.

Allen Onyema
This year, Allen Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, marked 10 years of the carrier’s foray into the Nigerian airspace. In March 2024, the airline made headlines with its entry into the Lagos-London route and subsequently received approval to operate the Abuja-London route. The launch of Air Peace’s London flight service sparked what industry observers described as a “price war”, with foreign carriers dramatically slashing their fares in what Onyema described as a “devilish conspiracy” to drive his airline out of the market. His airline’s expansion has undeniably made international air travel cheaper for Nigerians during a very difficult year.

Burna Boy
Aside being drawn into a needless controversy by wannabe, Speed Darlington, Burna Boy continued to make history as African artiste of Nigerian descent with a 2025 Grammy nod announced this year in five consecutive years. The feat brings him a total record of 11 nominations, winning one. The ‘African Giant’ also landed a spot one of ‘TIME’ 2024 Most Influential 100 People. Priorto that was also his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards for the first time, with his representatives noting he is the first Afro-fusion artist to do so in a press release distributed prior to Grammy night.

Taiwo Oyedele
Taiwo Oyedele is the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR). A former partner at PwC Nigeria, Oyedele has played a pivotal role in shaping tax reform discussions under the current administration. He has emphasised practical solutions to address inefficiencies in Nigeria’s tax system and policy formulation to enhance overall effectiveness. His proposed changes are contained in the four tax reform bills President Tinubu transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration in September 2024. However, Oyedele’s technocratic vision faces resistance from state governors, particularly regarding proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation.

Peter Obi
Mr. Peter Obi, a member of the Labour Party and the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election continues to keep his hope of getting to the presidency alive with characteristic political moves befitting of his leadership style and persona. While it seems his ‘Obidients’ waves have gone to rest, the former two- term governor of Anambra State remains active in the political space this year, making speeches that speak to the heart of the people. This seem to be paying off as a coalition of Northern groups, under the umbrella of Northern Obidients Youth Assembly (NOYA), warned against alleged plots to sabotage Peter Obi’s legacy following the internal wrangling within the Labour Party,

Festus Keyamo
In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s aviation standards, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, continues to drive his five-point agenda focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation in the sector. Under Keyamo’s guidance, Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure has made significant upgrades, with improved airport facilities and enhanced safety measures. He has also increased connectivity by establishing new routes and flight frequencies, thereby boosting tourism and job creation through strategic investments.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was during a special General Council meeting on 29 November, 2024, reappointed Director General of the World Trade Organisation 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. The DG is deeply committed to working alongside the talented and dedicated staff of the WTO to build a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.

Chidimma  Adetsina
Chidimma Adetshina made history during the year as the first Nigerian to secure the first runner-up position at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage 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 provided her an invitation 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.

Funke Akindele
The title ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ appears the singsong now across Nollywood for Funke Akindele, a celebrated Nigerian actress and filmmaker following the premiere of her latest film. Her movie, “A Tribe Called Judah,” broke the N1 billion marks at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time in 2024 and surpassing her previous record with “Battle on Buka Street.” As Nollywood seeks greater international recognition, Akindele stands as a testament to the industry’s potential for commercial success.

Davido
Music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, married the love of his life Chioma Rowland in a grand affair. The glamorous wedding ceremony dominated social media space days after the wedding. The occasion marked the culmination of years of friendship and love, characterised by setbacks, series of scandals, drama and trolls.  Davido also bagged a Grammy nomination for the second time, ahead of the 67th Grammys taking place early next year. He also continued his tradition of giving back with plans to donate N300 million to orphanages as part of his 32nd birthday celebration. 2024 also renewed the feud between Davido and Wizkid.

Gbenga Komolafe
The pioneer Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe has repositioned the exploration and production sector of the country’s oil and gas industry through several key enabling initiatives churned out by the commissioned since he came on board. The commission has issued some regulatory guidelines and measures aimed at attracting investments, boosting competitiveness, and increasing production in the industry.  The commission under Komolafe has completed the bid rounds for 57 marginal oil fields, which are now at various stages of development in the race to first oil production.  Komolafe has also led the successful completion of the Gas Flare Commercialisation Progrqmme, with the utimate aim of monetising Nigeria’s huge gas volunes being flared.

Mele Kyari
 Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari has continued to drive the rebound of the country’s oil and gas industry. From the loss of momentum in the industry arising from underinvestment and security issues, leading to a decline in oil production to sub-one million in August 2022, NNPC under Kyari has galvanised the industry to grow production to about 1.8 million barrels per day currently including condensate. The national oil company under Kyari’s leadership has finally delivered on its promise of bringing back Port Harcourt Refinery to production.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was no doubt one of those that shaped the outgoing year with the series of innovations he introduced around his ministry. Today, the ministry is leveraging advanced technology such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, and advanced surveillance systems, to enhance security and operational efficiency across its various departments and agencies. This initiative includes the integration of digital tools and platforms to streamline administrative processes, improve data management, and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies. Few days ago, the Ministry launched the e-Gate system, which is expected to help enhance national security.

Peter Mbah
The Enugu Governor in 2024 was focus on giving his State a facelift. Since his election in 2023, he has significantly ramped up the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR). The 2025 appropriation bill which he presented to the State House of Assembly few days ago is focused on improving education, healthcare, rural connectivity, bolster trade, and enhance overall accessibility and attract investments that create jobs in the State.

Nike Davies-Okundaye
In 2024, the populat Nike Art Gallery was more like a Mecca as it hosted a lot of global leaders that visited the country. Recently, the German President, Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by the Consul General of Germany, Weert Börner, and some delegations from the United Nations were hosted by Davies-Okundaye. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary African art including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. It also serves as a cultural hub promoting Nigerian heritage and empowering local artists.

Bishop Matthew Kukah
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, in 2024 remained a tireless advocate for justice, democracy, and human development. He has remained vocal in his call for good governance and a free and fair electoral process in the country.

Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons captain continued to dominate the female football space in 2024. Playing her club football in the US, she continues to be a leader both on and off the pitch for the national team.