Nigeria’s corporate giants gathered under one roof on Friday night as Next Money honoured the country’s top-performing listed firms at the 2025 edition of its prestigious Top 100 Companies Awards.
Held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, the event celebrated resilience and excellence across banking, manufacturing, and insurance, recognising firms that have not only driven profits but also contributed significantly to tax revenues, job creation, and economic growth.
The night belonged to Zenith Bank Plc and Dangote Cement Plc, which emerged as the biggest winners. Zenith Bank was crowned Nigeria’s Most Profitable Company overall, while also taking home awards for Most Profitable Bank and Highest Tax-Paying Bank. Dangote Cement, on its part, swept six categories, including Most Profitable Manufacturer, Largest by Revenue, and Highest Tax-Paying Company in Manufacturing, consolidating its grip on the cement industry.
Other banks also had their moments in the spotlight. Access Holdings was named Nigeria’s Largest Bank and Largest by Revenue, while GTCO Plc picked up the award for Most Valuable Bank. First HoldCo Plc earned recognition as the Largest Employer in Banking, highlighting its workforce strength.
In the insurance sector, AIICO Insurance Plc took centre stage, leading as Nigeria’s Largest Insurer, in addition to scooping prizes for revenue and employment capacity.
Beyond sectoral categories, the awards underlined broader national impact. Access Holdings was declared Nigeria’s Largest Company Overall, while Zenith Bank once again underscored its dominance as the Most Profitable Company across all industries. The Dangote Group earned distinction as the country’s Largest Employer of Labour, reflecting its massive role in industrialisation and job creation.
The ceremony was not just about trophies. It carried a deeper message on corporate governance and sustainability. In his keynote address, delivered on behalf of economist Professor Akpan Ekpo, Ernest Ebi stressed that the awards were based on “facts, not favours,” rooted in audited results and rigorous evaluation.
Olufemi Modupe Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare Awards, challenged business leaders to think beyond short-term profits. He warned that companies that fail to adapt, like Unilever Nigeria and PZ Cussons, risk decline. “Longevity is not a game, it is the product of strategy, ethics, and truth,” he said, urging firms to embrace intergenerational planning and transparent governance.
For organisers, the night was about setting new standards. “These awards are not popularity contests,” said Dr. Ray Echebiri, Editor-in-Chief of Next Money. “They are grounded in transparency, accountability, and measurable excellence.”
As the evening drew to a close with the national anthem, the message was unmistakable: despite economic headwinds, Nigerian companies can thrive - and in doing so, they hold the key to the nation’s future prosperity.
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