Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank, Access, Seplat, others named Nigeria’s top-performing companies

Leading Nigerian corporations including Dangote Cement, Zenith Bank, Access Holdings, Seplat Energy, AIICO Insurance, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), First HoldCo, NEM Insurance, and Axa Mansard Insurance have been recognised as high-performing companies in a comprehensive performance ranking conducted by NextMoney Magazine, a publication of the Centre for Financial Journalism (CFJ).

The ranking, based on the 2024 audited financial statements of companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), was unveiled at the maiden edition of the NextMoney Top 100 Companies Awards, held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, themed “Nigeria’s Top 100 Companies: Yesterday, Today and the Future,” was chaired by Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairman of the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Leading Edge Consulting, with Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi (mni), Chairman of Proshare Nigeria, delivering the keynote address.

In the global award category, Access Holdings won two titles — The Largest Company in Nigeria (for the biggest total assets) and The Largest Company in Nigeria by Revenue. Dangote Cement also secured two major awards — The Most Valuable Company in Nigeria (for the highest market capitalisation in 2024) and The Largest Company in Nigeria by Number of Employees. Zenith Bank was named The Most Profitable Company in Nigeria, while Seplat Energy earned the title of The Highest Tax Paying Company in Nigeria.

Within the banking sector, Access Holdings emerged as The Largest Bank in Nigeria and The Largest Bank by Revenue. Zenith Bank clinched The Most Profitable Bank in Nigeria and The Highest Tax Paying Bank in Nigeria awards. GTCO was named The Most Valuable Bank in Nigeria, while First HoldCo took home The Largest Bank in Nigeria by Number of Employees award.

In the insurance category, AIICO Insurance led with three awards — The Largest Insurance Company in Nigeria (by total assets), The Largest Insurance Company by Revenue, and The Largest Insurance Company by Number of Employees. Axa Mansard Insurance received The Most Valuable Insurance Company and The Highest Tax Paying Insurance Company awards, while NEM Insurance was recognised as The Most Profitable Insurance Company in Nigeria.

Dangote Cement swept all five awards in the manufacturing category, winning The Largest Manufacturing Company in Nigeria, The Most Profitable Manufacturing Company, The Most Valuable Manufacturing Company, The Largest Manufacturing Company by Revenue, and The Highest Tax Paying Manufacturing Company.

In his welcome address, Mr. Ernest Ebi (MFR), Chairman of the Centre for Financial Journalism, described the awards as a celebration of verifiable corporate excellence, grounded in transparency and objectivity. Represented by Professor Akpan Ekpo, a CFJ board member, Ebi emphasized that the awards were based strictly on audited financial reports — “the most transparent and verifiable measure of corporate performance.”

“This is not an award you can lobby for, embellish, or influence. It is earned. It is deserved,” he said. “In a time when trust in institutions is paramount, celebrating companies that uphold financial discipline, good governance, and shareholder value is not just necessary — it is urgent.”

He hailed the awardees as “the standard-bearers of corporate Nigeria,” commending their consistency, transparency, and contribution to national development.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Awoyemi urged the winning companies to look beyond current achievements and prepare strategically for the future. “Corporate success is not about the certainty of today but the effort to meet the needs of tomorrow,” he said, advising them to use the recognition as motivation to strengthen long-term competitiveness and sustainability.