The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tech

  • How to earn mega bucks as a database administrator

    How to earn mega bucks as a database administrator

    By Priye Maxwell

    It has been called the happiest job in the world. While that assertion is debatable, what is not debatable is that you will definitely be smiling to the banks.

    Database administrators (DBAs) are in high demand right now and companies are willing to pay handsomely for qualified hands.

    According to a recent poll, database administration is listed as the 4th best technology job in the world. It is also ranked as the 15th best STEM job as well as the 30th best job overall.

    In reaching these conclusions, the research took into account several factors such as remuneration, the potential for growth and the work/life balance.

     

    How much can you earn as a database administrator?

    According to salaryexplorer, the median monthly salary of Database Administrator working a 9am-5pm five jobs in Nigeria is N318, 000.

    The lowest average salary is N176, 000 while the highest average salary is N428, 000 (note that the actual maximum salary is higher than the highest average).

    Allow me to do the math for you on what that translates to in terms of a yearly salary. Excluding bonuses, the median salary for a database administrator in Nigeria is N3, 816, 000 per annum.

    The lowest average is N2, 112, 000 per annum and the highest average is N5,136,000.

    Should you choose to seek work abroad, your earning potential could increase exponentially.

    For example, in the United States, the media yearly salary is $90,070 while the lowest and highest average salaries are $66,200 and $116,000 respectively.

    We’ll let you do the math on that.

     

    What does a database Administrator do?

    A database administrator is responsible for the storage, organisation and security of a company’s most precious asset- its data. While keeping the data protected from outsiders, the DBA must simultaneously ensure the data easily accessible and translatable to the people who need it, whenever they need it.

    For example, the database administrators of your bank while tasked with protecting your personal information must also ensure that you have access to your bank account via your app at all times.

     

    The basic duties of a DBA include the following:

    • The DBA is responsible for upgrading and installing application tools and the database server.
    • The DBA modifies the database structure when necessary.
    • The DBA handles licensing renewals and maintaining compliance with database vendor license agreements.
    • The DBA would be responsible for tech support for database systems.
    • As a DBA, you would be required to optimize the performance of the database.
    • The DBA secures user profiles and permissions within the database.
    • The DBA plans, executes and checks backup strategies.

     

    • The DBA migrates the database as is required.

     

    The future looks bright

    As data needs grow across economic sectors, the demand for database administrators is expected to grow as well. Experts project that employment in this profession will grow by 10% over the next decade. Wages are also projected to increase over time.

    With Nigerians companies’ ever-increasing adoption of digital solutions, the future looks bright for DBAs in this country.

     

    How to become a database administrator

     

    Becoming a DBA requires the possession of certain personality traits such as problem-solving skills, proactivity, curiosity and logical thinking.

     

    You will also need a solid I.T background and relevant Oracle or Microsoft certifications.

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Academy offers a suite of Oracle certifications that will help prepare you for a future in database administration.

     

    As our society moves towards a more tech-based orientation, database administration is becoming a more relevant and coveted profession and one you should strongly consider.

    Visit NITDA academy to begin receiving online classes. It is absolutely free.

    Priye Maxwell, a tech enthusiast, wrote from Port-Harcourt

     

  • Nigeria’s top 10 Startup founders in 2020

    Nigeria’s top 10 Startup founders in 2020

    2020 has been a year of uncertainty, disruption, and reinvention. But in the midst of it all, a new generation of Nigerian founders is stepping up to meet urgent challenges with bold solutions. Across sectors like digital marketing, fintech, health, education, and technology infrastructure, these visionaries are proving that innovation doesn’t wait. It builds, especially in tough times.

    1. Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder & COO, PiggyVest

    Odunayo Eweniyi co-founded PiggyVest, Nigeria’s digital savings and investment platform. With a background in computer engineering and a passion for financial inclusion, Odunayo played a pivotal role in digitizing traditional savings methods, making them accessible to millions of Nigerians.​

    PiggyVest’s mission is to empower individuals to manage their finances effectively through automated savings and investment options. The platform offers features like Piggybank, SafeLock, and Target Savings, catering to diverse financial goals.​

    Beyond her role at PiggyVest, Odunayo is a vocal advocate for women’s participation in tech and finance. She co-founded the Feminist Coalition and FirstCheck Africa, initiatives aimed at supporting women-led startups and promoting gender equality in the tech ecosystem. 

    2. Misbaudeen Yusuff Adeshina – Founder & CEO, Yusadtech

    This year, Misbaudeen Yusuff Adeshina officially launched Yusadtech, a digital marketing and tech innovation firm with a bold vision: to power businesses across Africa with scalable marketing infrastructure and data-driven growth systems. With more than 5 years of experience behind him, Misbaudeen isn’t entering the space quietly, he’s building an ecosystem.

    Yusadtech is already attracting attention for its unique blend of high-converting media buying strategies, SEO mastery, and hands-on business development support. From web creation to funnel optimization, the firm is helping brands, platforms, and publishers grow audiences and revenue in real time.

    3. Sim Shagaya – Founder & CEO, uLesson

    Sim Shagaya’s latest venture, uLesson, is quickly establishing itself as one of Nigeria’s most timely innovations in education. Launched in late 2019 and scaling through 2020, the app delivers curriculum-based learning directly to students’ mobile devices, a crucial solution as schools across the country grapple with closures and digital divides.

    uLesson is more than just edtech. It’s a bet on Africa’s intellectual future, and Sim’s leadership is making it happen. He’s leveraging his deep experience in media and consumer tech to deliver engaging, accessible educational content to thousands of students, and growing.

    4. Mark Essien – Founder & CEO, Hotels.ng

    Mark Essien is proving that even in a year of travel slowdowns, smart tech entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve. His startup Hotels.ng, Nigeria’s leading hotel booking platform, is navigating 2020 with resilience, optimizing operations and expanding digital services for the hospitality industry.

    Hotels.ng remains a model for local tech success. Mark is also training the next generation through his internship programs, which are rapidly becoming a launchpad for software developers across the country.

    5. Ifeanyi Ossai – Founder & CEO, CribMD

    This year, Ifeanyi Ossai stepped into the spotlight with the launch of CribMD, a telemedicine platform born out of necessity and built for scale. As the pandemic made traditional healthcare delivery harder, CribMD introduced a powerful alternative: online consultations, home visits, and subscription-based health care.

    CribMD is addressing a real gap in access, offering patients across Nigeria a way to get timely, affordable medical care without leaving their homes. Ifeanyi’s bold vision is positioning him as one of the most important new voices in African health tech.

    CribMD’s mission is to provide affordable and convenient healthcare services through virtual consultations, home visits, and subscription-based plans. The platform addresses the need for accessible healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.​

    6. Olusehinde Elijah Kolawole – Founder & CEO, Owlet

    Tech entrepreneur Olusehinde Elijah Kolawole is making waves this year with Owlet, a digital platform that’s quickly branching out into fintech, commerce, and everyday solutions. From launching Quickshop (a fast-growing e-commerce tool) to building OwletPay and ChequeMate, Olusehinde is betting on versatility and innovation.

    Owlet’s goal is to solve real problems for real people, fast. And this year, his company is gaining momentum as a locally-built alternative to imported tech. The rollout of Owlet’s product suite is proof that homegrown tools can meet global standards.

    Owlet’s mission is to leverage technology to solve everyday problems through platforms like Quickshop for e-commerce, OwletPay for digital payments, and ChequeMate for financial management. These solutions are designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency for both consumers and businesses.​

    Olusehinde’s commitment to technological advancement has made Owlet a notable contributor to Nigeria’s digital transformation, fostering growth and accessibility in various industries.

    7. Abasi Ene-Obong – Founder, 54gene

    Genomics might not be top of mind for most Nigerians, but Abasi Ene-Obong is changing that with 54gene. In 2020, his startup is advancing African-led health research at an unprecedented pace. With labs, funding, and an ambitious goal to collect genomic data across Africa, 54gene is poised to reshape global medical understanding.

    Abasi is using this year to expand partnerships and raise awareness about Africa’s critical role in global biotech. His leadership is placing Nigeria on the map as a key player in the next era of precision medicine.

    8. Ifeoma Uddoh – Founder, Shecluded

    Ifeoma Uddoh is on a mission to democratize access to capital, especially for women. This year, her startup Shecluded is offering loans, financial planning, and investment services to women-led businesses in Nigeria.

    Shecluded is built on a simple but powerful idea: women deserve tailored financial tools. Ifeoma’s work is expanding rapidly in 2020, helping thousands of women overcome funding barriers and grow their enterprises with confidence.

    9. Bosun Tijani – Co-founder, CcHub

    Bosun Tijani has been a key figure in Nigeria’s tech space for years, but 2020 is another chapter in his impact story. At Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), he’s guiding startup incubation, innovation funding, and pan-African collaboration, even during the toughest business conditions.

    With iHub Kenya now integrated into the CcHub network, Bosun’s influence is stretching beyond Nigeria, creating one of the most connected tech communities on the continent.

    10. Christian Idiodi – Co-founder, Product School Africa

    Christian Idiodi is co-founding Product School Africa this year, a bold initiative to train and mentor the next wave of product managers across the continent. With his global experience and leadership at Silicon Valley Product Group, Christian is bringing world-class product thinking home.

    Product School Africa is helping Nigerian startups build better products, solve deeper problems, and position themselves for growth. It’s early days, but Christian’s impact is already being felt through every founder he mentors and every product he helps shape.

    These founders exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience, driving Nigeria’s tech ecosystem forward. Their contributions in 2020 have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and technologically advanced future.

  • NITDA targets one million jobs on digital platforms

    NITDA targets one million jobs on digital platforms

    Blessing Olaifa, Abuja

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is targeting the creation of about one million jobs through digital platforms between now and 2025.

    Its Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi disclosed this during a virtual stakeholders engagement workshop in Abuja on the Draft National Outsourcing Strategy for Nigeria 2020-2025.

    He said Nigerians and industry players should learn from how the world’s 25 richest billionnaires have gained over $225 billion in just two months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Almost all of them leverage on the power of digital platform to get the whopping amount. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the biggest gainer.

    “He made almost $32.5bn in two months under lockdown and he has moved from the 7th richest person in the world in early April to the fourth-richest person today,” Abdullahi said.

    The NITDA boss, who quoted Forbes Magazine to buttress his point, explained that the Federal Government would leave no stone unturned on the diversification of the economy, especially adoption of digital platforms to increase the country revenue earnings.

    Abdullahi, who put the global business process outsourcing market size as at 2019 at a value of  $221.5 billion, said it was expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2020 to 2027.

    COVID-19 is forcing organisations to cut bottom line cost. Therefore, many organizations will leverage on the benefits of outsourcing for some business processes and focus on core competencies, he explained.

    He said: “With the recent government initiative to make Nigeria a leading digital economy coupled with the government promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, NITDA under the supervision of Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has refocused its effort to implementation of the National Digital Economy Strategy.

    READ ALSO: NDDC headquarters shuts down over COVID-19 scare

    “This resonate with what is happening globally. Digital economy was emerging before covid-19 and now the crisis has made it more profound.”

    He told participants at the workshop the strategy is predicated on fostering  “institutional, legal, regulatory, technological and infrastructural environment for sustainable development and rapid growth of IT enabled outsourcing industry in Nigeria.

    “And we targeting creating over a million jobs in Nigeria by 2025”, Mr Abdullahi said, adding that seven critical pillars, such as infrastructures, skill and human capital development, branding and promotion, digital finances and incentives, innovation and entrepreneurship, trust, privacy and security and multi stakeholders governance are on target to achieve the desired end.

    Abdullahi urged the stakeholders to make inputs into the draft to facilitate robust document that would make Nigeria a better place for all and a force to reckon with in the global business outsourcing market.

     

  • Muhammed Olanrewaju: The innovator behind Cipher’s industry-defining success

    Muhammed Olanrewaju: The innovator behind Cipher’s industry-defining success

    As cybersecurity grows increasingly vital in a connected world, individuals who prioritize innovation and resilience are shaping the future of digital security. A pioneer in this field, Muhammed Olanrewaju, received the Future Tech Excellence Awards Cyber Innovator Award for his contribution to the development of Cipher, a solution that reinvents data protection for businesses.

    The award recognizes exceptional contributions to the tech industry, with a focus on individuals who lead impactful solutions. His leadership stands out for its emphasis on creating tools that address not just today’s challenges, but also the evolving threats of tomorrow.

    The product’s success under his guidance has been driven by a simple yet effective principle: combining user-centric design with advanced encryption techniques. By focusing on accessibility without compromising security, he ensured the product could meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises, setting a new standard in cybersecurity.

    Reaching the top of one’s career is a rare achievement and winning an award like the Cyber Innovator Award is proof that a cybersecurity executive is one of the top leading cybersecurity professionals impacting the technology landscape in Nigeria.

    It signifies not just a personal victory but also the recognition of one’s contribution to advancing the industry. The award places recipients among an elite group of product managers who have demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership in their fields.

    His accolade solidifies his position as one of the most influential leaders in the field. The Future Tech Excellence Award honors innovators who strike a balance between technical proficiency and a forward-thinking mindset. He has a thorough understanding of cybersecurity’s role in protecting both individuals and enterprises, as seen by his ability to lead this product from concept to reliable solution.

    The work of Olanrewaju is an excellent example of how careful leadership can promote workable, efficient solutions as digital dangers continue to change. He has not only fixed important weaknesses in the tech space, but he has also given businesses the confidence they need to function in the uncertain digital environment.

  • Recognising Innovation: Michael Ekhoragbon wins Technology Founder leadership award

    Recognising Innovation: Michael Ekhoragbon wins Technology Founder leadership award

    Technology has become the heartbeat of modern finance, but true transformation requires visionaries who can turn code into connection and systems into solutions. That distinction belongs to Michael Ekhoragbon, a fintech entrepreneur and co-founder of Creda, whose work in redefining access to credit and digital payments has earned him the Technology Founder Leadership Award at the Business and Enterprise Awards.

    The recognition celebrates his steady rise as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s fintech space. Through the company, he has built an ecosystem that merges technology, financial intelligence, and inclusivity. His approach to digital finance is both practical and people-driven, designed to ensure that individuals and small enterprises can access the financial tools they need without barriers.

    Under his leadership, the company has grown from a simple credit access platform into a multi-service digital finance solution. Users can now save, spend, and manage funds seamlessly through the platform’s automated systems. The company’s innovation lies not just in its products but in how it addresses trust, the one currency that defines long-term success in African fintech. By prioritizing transparency and reliability, the company has built lasting confidence among users navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape.

    Attaining the peak of one’s professional journey is no small feat, and receiving an honor like the Technology Founder Leadership Award reflects Michael Ekhoragbon’s place among the foremost innovators shaping Nigeria’s fintech industry.

    It represents more than personal success, it acknowledges his tangible impact on advancing financial inclusion and technology-driven growth. The recognition positions him among a distinguished circle of visionary founders whose leadership and creativity continue to define the future of digital finance in Africa.

    The Business and Enterprise Awards committee described the recognition as a reflection of his enduring contribution to the continent’s digital economy. Through thoughtful leadership and commitment to inclusion, he has helped drive financial empowerment across sectors that have traditionally been left behind. His understanding of technology as an equalizer rather than a privilege continues to define the company’s operations and shape its culture of innovation.

    Beyond the award itself, Michael’s journey is a story of purpose meeting opportunity. He represents a generation of African entrepreneurs who see technology not as a trend but as a tool to bridge real economic divides. His work underscores that fintech is not only about speed or automation; it’s about building systems that listen, learn, and evolve with people’s financial realities.

    As the company continues to expand its footprint, reaching new markets and deepening access across communities, his recognition at the Business and Enterprise Awards stands as a reminder that leadership in technology is best measured by impact. His path affirms a truth that resonates across industries: when innovation is guided by empathy and strategy, progress follows naturally.

  • The Rise of Time -Series Databases for IoT and Analytics Applications in African Startups — Abbas Irekeola

    The Rise of Time -Series Databases for IoT and Analytics Applications in African Startups — Abbas Irekeola

    It’s becoming evident every day that the backbone of any thriving digital ecosystem lies not just in connectivity or computing power, but in how well data is collected, stored, and interpreted. In the case of time-sensitive operations, particularly with the explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and real-time analytics, the importance of time-series data management is fast gaining recognition. Across Africa, where startups continue to disrupt traditional sectors and create novel platforms for automation, time-series databases are beginning to occupy a central place in their data infrastructure.

    In the simplest form, a time-series database handles data that is timestamped, data that captures changes over time. This could be anything from hourly temperature readings in a smart farm to millisecond sensor logs from a logistics company tracking its delivery bikes in congested Lagos traffic. In traditional databases, this kind of constantly changing data quickly grows in volume and complexity, making querying and real-time analysis almost impossible without significant performance penalties. The rise of dedicated time-series databases like InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, Prometheus, and OpenTSDB has provided a much-needed solution that allows startups to scale operations without sacrificing speed or insight.

    Across African markets, where emerging sectors like fintech, healthtech, agrotech, and logistics are increasingly dependent on IoT and intelligent automation, these new data architectures are providing much-needed flexibility. Consider Nigeria, where mobile payment platforms are required to track hundreds of thousands of transactions in real time, complete with geolocation, transaction value, device details, and fraud indicators. With such dense data arriving in milliseconds, only a time-series database can help monitor anomalies, predict outages, and optimize system performance. In the past, developers tried to build such capabilities using relational databases, but the structure just wasn’t built for it. Tables would become bloated, queries would slow to a crawl, and ultimately, developers would spend more time firefighting performance issues than writing new features.

    Another example lies in East Africa, where the promise of smart agriculture is being realized. In Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, tech startups are deploying solar-powered sensors on rural farms to monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and environmental conditions. These sensors send small packets of data several times an hour. Each data point is meaningless on its own, but when stored properly and analyzed over time, they reveal trends that could inform irrigation schedules, fertilization plans, and even harvest timelines. The success of such a system depends almost entirely on the efficiency of the underlying data store. For these startups, time-series databases aren’t just a choice, they are the foundation of predictive farming.

    The interesting thing is that the value of time-series data is only just being appreciated on the continent. Many startup founders are still coming to grips with what it means to build data-first products. Traditional app development models in Africa have largely been about shipping features fast, acquiring users, and hoping to reach critical mass. But as we mature and more investors demand sustainable scale and analytics-driven growth, the importance of robust data infrastructure has taken centre stage. In fintech and ride-hailing in particular, we are already seeing time-series data used to train machine learning models that anticipate fraud, identify risky drivers, and even personalize customer experiences.

    South Africa has been at the forefront of integrating time-series databases in energy management. With power inconsistencies and alternative energy solutions becoming common, energy startups are deploying solar grids and home inverters that report back usage metrics, battery health, and grid conditions in real time. All of these require a way to ingest, store, and retrieve high-frequency data without breaking the bank. What’s more, they must be able to run edge analytics, evaluating data close to the source, since many of these systems operate in regions with limited connectivity. Again, time-series databases with compression and downsampling features allow startups to strike a balance between storage cost and actionable insight.

    It is also worth noting the cultural shift this is demanding within engineering teams. Building with time-series databases requires a new mindset. Developers now have to think in terms of sequences, windows, thresholds, and patterns over time. The logic becomes about what happened, what is happening, and what is likely to happen, in real time. This shift is not only technical but philosophical. Engineers are learning to think like data scientists, to design systems that don’t just react to inputs but learn and adapt. For most startups that adopt time-series architecture, the benefits are evident. Better visibility into system performance, more accurate business metrics, and the ability to catch issues before users even notice them.

    But it’s not without its challenges. Infrastructure costs, especially in cloud-hosted environments, remain high. For bootstrapped startups in Africa, choosing a managed time-series database can feel out of reach. However, open-source projects are helping close the gap. InfluxDB, for example, offers a community version that is more than capable for small and medium workloads. Similarly, TimescaleDB, built on PostgreSQL, allows companies to leverage their existing SQL knowledge while benefiting from time-series optimizations. These tools are lowering the barrier to entry and allowing innovation to thrive, even in underfunded contexts.

    On the hardware side, the affordability of sensor technologies and microcontrollers is also playing a role. Devices like Raspberry Pi and Arduino now power a significant portion of IoT experiments on the continent. Their simplicity and low cost make them accessible to students, tinkerers, and entrepreneurs who are reimagining everything from water management to waste disposal. In Ghana, a student-built project monitors water levels in urban slums to alert communities before potential flooding. In Senegal, an entrepreneur is tracking food storage conditions to reduce post-harvest losses. Each of these ideas relies on time-series data, and each is a step forward in solving local problems with smart, data-driven tools.

    The global ecosystem is also lending support. International accelerators, cloud providers, and API platforms are investing in Africa’s time-series future. Google’s Cloud Platform and AWS now offer tailored credits for African startups. Programs like Microsoft for Startups Africa are helping young developers integrate IoT and data solutions from day one. These partnerships are crucial in democratizing access to high-performance computing, analytics, and data engineering know-how. Moreover, conferences and developer meetups across Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Accra are demystifying the world of time-series analytics and inspiring the next generation of systems thinkers.

    Looking ahead, the adoption curve is set to steepen. As AI becomes more central to operations, the need for clean, real-time, structured historical data will increase. Time-series databases will become even more essential for training and inference, especially in edge and hybrid environments. The use cases will expand, from smart homes and e-health systems to national infrastructure monitoring and climate modelling. African startups have a chance not only to adopt global best practices but to define them in contexts the West is still trying to understand.

    The rise of time-series databases is, therefore, not a passing trend. It’s a structural shift in how we build intelligent systems that respond to the world in real-time. For African startups, the implications are enormous. The ability to handle time-based data with precision will define who scales and who stagnates. The race is not just to build faster but to build smarter. Time, after all, is the ultimate variable, and for the first time, we have the tools to measure, analyze, and act on it with confidence.

  • Top 10 highest-earning product managers in Nigeria

    Top 10 highest-earning product managers in Nigeria

    As Nigeria’s technology sector continues its rapid expansion, the role of the product manager has gained new significance, evolving into a strategic leadership position that directly shapes innovation, user experience, and company growth. Product managers today are not just operators, they are visionaries at the heart of digital transformation efforts across industries.

    This year’s Top 10 Highest-Earning Product Managers list is the result of a four-month independent research initiative led by a team of analysts. Drawing from verified salary disclosures, confidential HR interviews, executive compensation databases, and recruiter insights, the ranking reflects a balanced view of financial reward and real-world impact.

    Evaluators considered not just total compensation, base salary, bonuses, and equity, but also the scale and significance of each manager’s work. The list aims to spotlight professionals whose influence in 2019 helped push Nigerian product leadership into new, globally relevant dimensions.

    Onochie Henry Aroh — ₦35,000,000/year

    As Principal Product Manager at Quidax, Onochie Aroh led the cryptocurrency exchange through a pivotal growth phase in 2019. He spearheaded the development of a proprietary trading engine that reduced transaction latency by 40%, improving liquidity and user experience. His leadership in scaling cross-border wallet functionalities contributed to the platform’s launch in Ghana and Kenya. Independent sources from the Nigerian Blockchain Association cite Aroh’s systems as a benchmark in regional crypto infrastructure. His expertise and foresight earned him an industry-leading compensation package.

    Olushola Babalola — ₦33,000,000/year

    Olushola Babalola earned his place on this list through his influential work at PwC Nigeria, where he led a groundbreaking enterprise risk product initiative. In 2019, he delivered a digital transformation framework that helped reduce IT support backlogs by more than 50% across multiple client organizations. According to PwC’s regional technology impact report, Babalola’s work set a new standard for automation and compliance in West African professional services. His deep domain expertise translated directly into premium compensation backed by measurable results.

    Tobi Adeyemi — ₦30,000,000/year

    Tobi Adeyemi’s success as Chief Product Officer at TechFusion was underscored by the launch of three profitable SaaS platforms within 18 months, two of which gained widespread adoption in logistics and retail sectors. An independent review by Lagos TechHub named one of Adeyemi’s products as ‘Platform of the Year’ in 2019. Adeyemi’s combination of cross-functional leadership and technical depth justified the substantial earnings he commands today.

    Olawale Osineye — ₦28,000,000/year

    Olawale Osineye’s work in 2019 redefined GTBank’s approach to financial transparency and efficiency. As the lead on a data visualization and reporting product used by both internal audit and external regulators, Osineye’s innovation reduced reporting lag by 80%. CBN’s compliance feedback acknowledged GTBank’s system as a model for other financial institutions. These contributions, combined with regional replication in Cameroon and Ghana, strongly validate his position on this list.

    Oluwatobi Otokiti — ₦26,000,000/year

    In 2019, Oluwatobi Otokiti balanced dual roles as a senior product leader at Flutterwave and as the founder of ProductDive. Internally, she introduced a merchant analytics tool that became instrumental in driving B2B decision-making across seven African markets. Externally, she trained over 5,000 aspiring product managers and hosted Nigeria’s first large-scale PM summit. Her influence spans both enterprise and ecosystem, a fact reflected in her compensation structure.

    Oluwatosin Isaiah Aladeojebi — ₦26,000,000/year

    Aladeojebi brought engineering precision to product execution in 2019, launching an ERP suite now used by SMEs across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. According to DevAfrica Quarterly, the product supported over half a million users within its first year. His deployment of scalable DevOps pipelines reduced release cycles by 75%, positioning him as a top-tier technical product leader.

    Anjola Akinrinola — ₦25,000,000/year

    Fintech specialist Anjola Akinrinola secured a leading compensation package after launching a digital wallet that surpassed 100,000 active users within six months. He also introduced a real-time reconciliation engine that significantly reduced refund delays. According to PayTech Nigeria, his voice-assisted payment prototype was the first of its kind in West Africa, driving inclusion for visually impaired users.

    Sewa Majekodunmi — ₦24,000,000/year

    Sewa Majekodunmi brought global insight into Nigeria’s product leadership landscape, with 2019 being a standout year. Her integration of ethical UX audits and mental health prompts into PayPal’s pilot platforms led to the adoption of these features by fintech startups in Lagos and Accra. She was awarded the West Africa Tech Inclusion Fellowship for her efforts, affirming her strategic and societal impact.

    Maureen Ogwu — ₦23,000,000/year

    Working at the intersection of EdTech and backend systems, Maureen Ogwu made significant strides in 2019 by overseeing the migration of Nigeria’s largest test preparation platform to a unified backend with 99.99% uptime. Meta’s internal reports highlighted her work on multilingual toolkits as a best practice for emerging markets. Her backend-first product approach continues to influence infrastructure strategy for educational platforms across West Africa.

    Ebi Atawodi — ₦22,000,000/year

    Ebi Atawodi’s 2019 achievements include overseeing the localization of Uber’s payments infrastructure to support 10 African currencies. Later that year, she joined Netflix Africa to contribute to their metadata and content discovery tools. According to African Business Weekly, her impact spans digital payments, streaming innovation, and mentorship, earning her both local and international recognition.

    Nigeria’s product management sector is entering a new era defined by global competitiveness, technical depth, and strategic influence. These ten professionals exemplify what it means to lead with clarity, creativity, and business acumen in a demanding market. As compensation and visibility continue to rise, the world is watching a new generation of Nigerian product leaders step confidently onto the global stage.

  • Supply Chain Excellence: Nnaji Ihuoma Chukwu recognised for innovation

    Supply Chain Excellence: Nnaji Ihuoma Chukwu recognised for innovation

    Every remarkable achievement begins with an inspired vision and relentless dedication. This year, the prestigious Logistics & Supply Chain Excellence Award was conferred on Nnaji Ihuoma Chukwu by the Business & Entreprise Awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of supply chain management. This distinguished honor celebrates individuals whose innovative initiatives redefine efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence within the industry, setting new standards for success.

    Nnaji earned this accolade for his visionary leadership in developing Alvero, an innovative platform that has revolutionized supply chain processes. The platform seamlessly integrates advanced logistics technology with data-driven insights, enabling businesses to optimize procurement, inventory management, and distribution with unparalleled accuracy. By addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges, the platform enhances transparency, minimizes disruptions, and maximizes cost-effectiveness across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

    At the foundation of Alvero is an intelligent system that leverages predictive analytics and automation to streamline supply chain operations. With real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and enhanced collaboration tools, businesses can achieve greater agility and resilience in an ever-evolving market. Under Nnaji’s expert guidance, the platform has redefined supply chain efficiency, empowering organizations to scale with precision and adaptability.

    Reaching the top of one’s career is a rare achievement and winning an award like the supply chain innovation excellence award is proof that a supply manager is one of the leading product managers impacting the technology landscape in Nigeria.

    It signifies not just a personal victory but also the recognition of one’s contribution to advancing the industry. The award placed recipients among an elite group of innovators who have demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership in their fields.

    With poise and a deep sense of fulfillment, Nnaji Ihuoma Chukwu accepted the honor, a moment that encapsulated years of hard work, dedication, and expertise in advancing supply chain solutions. As he continues to push the boundaries of innovation, there is no doubt that his contributions will leave a lasting impact on the industry while inspiring the next generation of supply chain leaders.